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Mamma Shipley fried the very perch they^d caught . — Page 123 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


ELIZABETH PRICE 
A- 


Author of 

FREDERICA DENNISON, SPINSTER,” etc. 



THE PILGRIM PRESS 


BOSTON 


CHICAGO 


/ 




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Copyright 1918 
By frank M. SHELDON 



SE? 25 i3i8 




THE PILGRIM PRESS 
BOSTON 

S^aAsossfio O' 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I. The Shipleys Come to Town ... 1 

II. The March Wind Helps .... 15 

III. Joy Goes Visiting 29 

IV. Van Goes Driving 43 

V. A Volunteer Nurse 55 

VI. Plans 69 

VII. Van Makes a Resolution .... 85 

VIII. Grandfather^s Shutters Are Opened . 99 

IX. Vacation 113 

X. Bensie’s Lesson 127 

XI. Miss Corals Discovery .... 143 

XII. Van^s Chance 159 

XIII. Dimple and Dandy 173 

XIV. The Education Fund 187 

XV. A Tested Friendship 203 

XVI. Grandfather 217 

XVII. Home, Sweet Home ” .... 233 


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THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


CHAPTER I 

THE SHIPLEYS COME TO TOWN 

It was a funny procession. Van Rens- 
selaer saw it coming up the street and 
stopped at his gate to watch it. He was 
just out of school — Boys’ Latin Prepara- 
tory — and carried an armful of books, 
which he laid on the square stone post at 
the foot of the steps. One didn’t often see 
a sight hke that on Schuyler Street, which 
was wide and paved and altogether styhsh. 
The boy laughed aloud, though there was 
no one to enjoy the fun with him — there 
seldom was, for that matter. Most of his 
laughter was rather lonely, so there wasn’t 
much of it. But then, it was a rare thing 
to see a procession on Schuyler Street. 

This one began with a wagon full of fur- 
niture. Not an up-to-date van that looked 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


like a house on wheels, but just a plain 
farm wagon drawn by two strong-looking 
horses that were evidently used to plow and 
reaper. The driver wore blue overalls and 
jumper and a battered felt hat, also a shock 
of tawny whiskers. Beside him, on the 
broad seat, was a boy with a face full of 
interest in the sights about him, with a 
brown-and-tan terrier between his knees. 
After this there was a second load, very 
much like the first even to the whiskers, 
only the boy was smaller and it was a huge 
black cat that shared his seat. 

That wasnT all — no, indeed! It takes 
more than two vehicles to make a proces- 
sion. In this one there were five, and the 
last one had a cow tied on behind — a good 
cow, too — Jersey, and plump as one of her 
own butter balls. 

The last wagon supposedly held the 
family to whom all the other appurtenances 
belonged. It was a Dayton with three 
seats — all full. Father, driving, and 
mother, sitting in the rear, guarded their 
flock between them. 


[ 2 ] 


THE SHIPLEYS COME TO TOWN 


On the middle seat, looking straight at 
Van with a pair of dancing brown eyes, sat 
a girl a little younger than himself. She 
wore black curls about a gypsy face, her 
cheeks were like roses, and her teeth showed 
white and even as she smiled in friendly 
fashion. Van’s hand touched his cap — it 
seemed as if one must acknowledge such a 
merry glance. 

Then the procession stopped and Van 
looked ahead to see the cause. The boy on 
wagon one had clambered over the wheel and 
was making straight for the big gate of the 
Little Yellow House. A moment later it 
swung open and the horses turned in, fol- 
lowed by the rest of the parade. Van’s hps 
puckered into a whistle. Never since he 
could remember had the Little Yellow House 
been hved in. It had stood there all alone in 
its thicket of rosebushes and wisteria, till it 
looked hke nothing but a big arbor running 
riot. The very walks were so grass grown 
that the bricks were out of sight, and the 
little front gate would have fallen to pieces 
long ago if it hadn’t been held up by a wood- 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


bine that tied it fast to the picket fence. 
Dwellers on Schuyler Street hadn’t paid 
much attention to it — it was rather pic- 
turesque in its present state, and being the 
very last house toward the east, nobody 
minded that it wasn’t big and stately like 
its neighbors. The paving stopped just in 
front of it, for out beyond there were only 
commons and open fields. 

Now it was evidently to be used again, 
and Van felt a pleasant thrill as he remem- 
bered the bright-looking boys and the friendly 
girl. He lifted his books and went up the 
steps into the spacious grounds of his own 
home. Only a well-trimmed hedge divided 
these grounds from the overgrown lawn of 
the Little Yellow House, where things were 
beginning to happen. If Van had only known 
it, things always began to happen wherever 
the Shipley family put in an appearance. 
With a very energetic Mr. Shipley, an ex- 
tremely busy Mrs. Shipley, and all sorts and 
sizes of junior Shipleys, was it any wonder? 
Already the shutters were being opened; 
already Star, the cow, was untied; Yankee 
[ 4 ] 


THE SHIPLEYS COME TO TOWN 


Doodle, the terrier, was barking frantically; 
while Inky, the cat, arched her back and 
scolded at him. 

Van hurried up stairs with an unusual 
sparkle in his eyes. 

Somebody moving into the Little 
Yellow House, Mother,’^ he announced 
to the lady in the easy chair. She 
shivered. 

“ I saw them. Van. Such a hopeless crew 
— isn’t it dreadful? ” 

0, I don’t know. I thought they looked 
rather interesting,” the boy declared. 

“ Interesting! ” His mother repeated the 
word disgustedly. Anything but that. 
Your father told me last night that old Mr. 
Pearce had leased the place. I have been 
hoping against hope all day that they would 
be at least possible. Though what could be 
expected from people who would rent that 
ramshackle? ” 

“ It’s not so bad. Mother,” Van said, trying 
to comfort her. “ I’ve always rather en- 
joyed the old place over there.” 

We will not enjoy it any more. Look 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


at that, Van. Actually a coop of chickens. 
What next? 

Looks like rabbits, laughingly said the 
boy, watching the unloading of a home-made 
hutch. There, they Ve unhitched the horses 
from the Dayton and are leading them back 
to the stable. I suppose they are to live 
there with the rest of them. IsnT it fun? ” 
Mrs. Kingsbury left her chair and crossed 
to the couch. Just one more trial for me,” 
she said, sighing. “ As if the old place wasnT 
bad enough at best, Mr. Pearce has piled 
these dreadful tenants there under our 
eyes. Surely I had enough to bear without 
this.” 

The boy at the window turned away. He 
spread an afghan over his mother^s feet, 
straightened the pillow under her head, then 
drew the shade and slipped out. He had 
learned long ago that quiet was best for 
shattered nerves. But once in his own room 
he stood by an east window and watched 
with hearty interest the lively movements 
next door. It doesn't hurt if I do look,” 
he murmured, as if apologizing. '' They're 
[ 6 ] 


THE SHIPLEYS COME TO TOWN 


out of doors, SO I'm not — er — eaves- 
dropping. It must be jolly to have all that 
bustle and stir — all belonging to one family 

— my, but I'd like it. Look at that dog, 
would you? And there's a phonograph, as 
I'm ahve! And a croquet set! That biggest 
boy hugged his mother when she came out 
on the porch just now and she hugged him 
back, even if she was busy. There's the girl 

— look at her apron and that dust cap. 
They sure are workers over at the Little 
Yellow House." 

Perhaps it wasn't strange that Van found 
his neighbors interesting from the first. For 
one thing, they bore the charm of novelty. 
There were no gingham aprons or dust caps 
in the Kingsbury home — no bustling, busy 
mother, no troop of noisy children. There 
was a beautiful dwelling, to be sure. The 
Little Yellow House could almost have been 
set bodily into the suite of rooms to the east 
of the wide hall. There were lovely furni- 
ture and well-trained servants. But the 
mistress of the mansion was nervous and 
frail, its master a busy man who spent much 
[ 7 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


of his time away from home, and Van was an 
only child. That was all, except Grand- 
father, who stayed in his room among his 
books and with whom Van never felt very 
well acquainted. 

Pets? Not one. A motor car doesnT need 
petting, you know, as horses would, while 
pasteurized cream in sterilized bottles is 
much less trouble than a Jersey or an Alder- 
ney. As for dogs or cats, they were not to 
be tolerated for a moment. 

Van sat in the window till the farm wagons 
had all driven away. The whiskered driv- 
ers — evidently former neighbors — had 
called back jovial good-bys and good wishes. 
Van could hear their hearty voices as they 
disappeared. Then twilight settled over the 
Little Yellow House and Hghts began to 
glimmer in its uncurtained windows. They 
had an early supper — perhaps they were 
hungry after a busy day. The mother took 
things out of a big, comfortable hamper. 
Van could see her cutting bread and shcing 
ham. They sat around, anywhere, to eat — 
of course there hadnT been time to set a 
[ 8 ] 


THE SHIPLEYS COME TO TOWN 


table, yet, or unpack dishes. But they 
looked so merry and good-natured and the 
father patted the mother^s cheek, right in 
front of the window, then the mother reached 
up to pat his shoulder. It was quite a reach, 
too, for she was little and sHm and he was 
tall and broad. Something made Van^s eyes 
smart just then and his throat felt queer. 
He stood up suddenly and said, Calf! 
right out aloud, though a calf was one of the 
few things that hadn’t moved in to the Little 
Yellow House. 

Then he went down to the dining-room, 
while the Japanese gong sounded its musical 
call through the halls, and he sat at a table 
where the meal was served in courses and a 
butler presided. Mother had on her dia- 
monds and father was in full-dress. There 
was something very special going on later in 
the evening. But Mother wasn’t happy, for 
the new neighbors had made her nervous, 
she said, and Grandfather frowned darkly 
when he heard of the children. Noise and 
books don’t go together very well, and the 
Little Yellow House had been quiet so long. 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


it was rather surprising to have it come to 
life so suddenly. 

It seemed very strange that with roast 
duck on one’s plate and chocolate ice cream 
to come, one should remember the bread and 
ham next door and feel again a stinging in 
one’s eyes. Yet, if you’ll beheve it. Van 
did. 

Over in the Little Yellow House the picnic 
supper was being cleared away and beds 
made ready for tired hmbs as fast as busy 
hands could do it. I saw the next-door boy 
standing at his gate as we came by,” de- 
clared Joy, plumping pillows vigorously. 
'' Did you, Bensie? ” 

No — didn’t know there was a next- 
door boy,” answered Ben, who was tucking 
in quilts as if used to it. 

^^Well, there is and he’s nice. Touched 
his cap like a gentleman when I smiled.” 

Joy? you never did — ” Mamma Ship- 
ley stopped beating buckwheat batter to 
look shocked. 

“ Yes’m, just friendly, you know. We’ve 
got to get acquainted sooner or later, so I 
[ 10 ] 


THE SHIPLEYS COME TO TOWN 

thought we might as well begin. I only 
hope he^s got a sister my age.’^ 

There^s only one child, Mr. Pearce told 
me,’^ said Papa Shipley, who was putting up 
the roller towel behind the kitchen door. 

They are fine people, he says.” 

“ There^s a good deal to do to make things 
shipshape,” and Mr. Shipley looked about 
on shabby walls and woodwork. 

Who’s better able to do it, I’d like to 
know? ” inquired Mother. “ Eight of us, 
with two good strong hands apiece and all 
the time there is.” 

“ Isn’t it dandy it’s spring? Just the right 
time to do everything.” This from Joy. 

Hold still, Bert. If you wiU have curly 
hair you’U have to bear puUing. It’s one 
big snarl in the back.” 

Cut it off. I wouldn’t have curls if I 
could help ’em, would I? ” Bert demanded. 

“ I guess not, but you can’t, so hold still. 
Garden — there’s a lovely big patch behind 
the barn — and flower beds — and the vines 
will need all sorts of trimming.” 

There’s paint needed badly,” began Papa. 

[ 11 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


“ Yellow/^ insisted Mamma. Regular 
sunshine color, just like this house must have 
been once upon a time. It’s so shady here 
and so viney, it needs that sort of paint to 
liven it up.” 

“ Just as you say, Mamma.” Papa al- 
ways came to that remark sooner or later. 

I rather thought of white, myself, with 
green blinds, but you know best.” 

Sunshine color, Henry,” Mamma re- 
peated. Now turn in on your pallets, 
every one of you, and get to sleep. We girls 
will sleep in the parlor, Joy. Put Dimple in 
the middle so she won’t roll off the mattress. 
We’ll leave the dining-room for the men 
people. Henry, don’t let Dandy get un- 
covered — it’s chilly in the night. Bless you 
every one and bless our new home. I hope 
the dear Lord will help us to make it truly 
sunshiny, inside and out — and ourselves, 
too. Let’s ask him, dearies.” 

Joy stood at the window looking out at 
Schuyler Street, while her mother made 
ready for bed. The street lamps gleamed 
golden in two long hnes as far as she could 
[ 12 ] 


THE SHIPLEYS COME TO TOWN 


see. Next door the Kingsbury mansion 
loomed high and massive, its windows out- 
lined everywhere by soft hghts. “ It’s too 
big for one lonesome boy to have to hve in, 
Mamma,” she said at last. I should think 
he might need some of our sunshine — the 
nice boy I saw. He must be awfully lonely.” 

So he must, Joy, dear. We’ll see what 
there is for us to do about it. Come to bed 
now.” 

When Van raised his window for the night 
and looked across, the Little Yellow House 
was dark and quiet, just as it had been so 
many nights before. But the boy drew a 
deep breath and remembered gladly that 
the new neighbors, with all their good times, 
would be there to-morrow. 







CHAPTER II 

THE MARCH WIND HELPS 

The Little Yellow House was a very busy 
place for the next few days. There was a 
great deal to do. So much that if its new oc- 
cupants had been less brave and cheery, it 
might have discouraged them. One might 
think that a house left to itself for several 
years would at least keep itself as orderly as 
its last inmate left it. But one would be 
very much mistaken. 

There wasnT a door that didnT sag, or a 
window that would stay open — only the 
ones that wouldn’t stay shut. Panes were 
broken out, and wind and weather had 
painted brown stains on the walls and rotted 
the floor. The front door, like the front gate, 
was sealed shut with woody stems and 
branches, while the garden space was inches 
deep with old growths of different kinds. 

But then, who cares? ” demanded Joy as 
[ 15 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Mamma Shipley looked sober over a hole 
clear through the parlor floor. It’ll be all 
the more hke home when we do get it fixed 
to suit us, and having to work hard will 
keep us from getting homesick for the farm 
— which I’m not, Mamma Shipley. I 
wouldn’t go back for anything.” There was 
a challenge in the brown eyes, and Mamma 
met it squarely. 

Neither would I, Joy, dear. We came, 
because it was best to come. Do you sup- 
pose any of us would want to go back when 
it’s best to be here? No, indeed! ” 

Of course not.” Joy stopped to examine 
a wounded finger — she’d been trying to pry 
the shutters open. Papa’ll get us mended 
in a jiffy, and the good times we are going to 
have — ” This way of leaving her sentence 
hanging in mid air, as it were, made aU sorts 
of lovely things possible, and Billy sighed 
happily before he announced from the door- 
way, They’ve got a tennis court next door. 
I saw it from the barn loft — it’s way around 
behind the house. I always did want to 
learn tennis.” 


[ 16 ] 


THE MARCH WIND HELPS 


^^Well, please don’t begin till we get ac- 
quainted with the people, Billy Shipley. 
’Twouldn’t be pohte.” 

’ Sif I didn’t know that,” replied Billy 
with withering scorn. I haven’t forgot my 
manners if I have moved to town, Joy. But 
I’m going to try to get acquainted pretty 
fast.” 

I bet Joy’ll beat you to it.” Ben’s face 
appeared above his brother’s head in the 
doorway, grinning roguishly. “ While you’re 
scouting round the edges watching for a 
chance to get in, Joy’s in the middle of the 
ring, having the time of her life. How about 
it, kid sister? ” 

Joy tossed her head. I don’t go where 
I’m not wanted. I’ll have you to know, Ben- 
sie Shipley. But I don’t believe in beating 
around the bush, if that’s what you mean.” 

“ No, you don’t. Where’s my straw hat. 
Mamma? ” 

“ Packed away with the summer things, 
of course,” was the reply. “ You don’t think 
I’m going to let you catch your death of 
cold wearing straw in March, do you? Go 
[ 17 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


on, boys, and get the grass out of those 
walks. Therein be something doing before 
tennis on these premises,” and Mamma 
Shipley set a brisk example by getting the 
pruning shears from somewhere and attack- 
ing the vines that held the shutters fast. 

Van, next door, moved slowly down the 
walk. School seemed anything but interest- 
ing when there was so much going on in sight 
of home. If only he could go over and join 
in — if only he could rake dead grass like that 
tallest boy was doing! There were strains 
of music in the air — early as it was, Joy had 
the phonograph going. It doesn’t take but 
a second to change the records. Mamma, and 
we can work faster while it plays real lively,” 
she explained. 

It’s the truth,” agreed Mamma. Play 
^ Dixie ’ till we get the boys started.” It is 
wonderful what you can do when you are 
interested — and the Shipleys were, beyond 
a doubt. Van thought he was almost as 
much so. He watched the changes with 
eager eyes — pruned rosebushes, trimmed 
vines, a mended gate, clean walks — 
[181 


THE MARCH WIND HELPS 


something new almost every hour it seemed 
to him. He could not see what went on in 
the house, for shades were tidily hung now. 
But the Little Yellow House was constantly 
spilling its occupants into the big yard and 
there was plenty to be seen. Ben and Billy 
were at work on the barn where the horses, 
Dick and Dolly, and Star, the cow, lived. 
Bert was fitting up the old henhouse with 
nests and roosts, and even Dandy was doing 
something about the rabbit-hutch. Dimple, 
sunny-haired baby, roamed at her own 
sweet will among the troop, who stopped 
often to grab and hug her or drop a kiss on 
her rosy face. 

Van couldn’t keep away from the sight of 
it all. Even lessons waited till the shades 
were drawn, and only a dim outline of yel- 
low hght showed that beyond the windows 
the happy family hfe was going on. Mother 
refused to be interested. She had a siege of 
nervous headache during the first week the 
new neighbors lived there and didn’t want 
to hear of the “ noisy crew.” Grandfather 
kept his blinds closed on the side next the 
[ 19 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Little Yellow House, so he could forget 
those people ” were there. The south hght 
in his room was hardly enough for his dim 
eyes, and the fancied necessity for shutting 
out the east hght offended him and made 
him cross. So there was no one with whom 
Van could enjoy the Shipleys. If Mamma 
Shipley had once dreamed that behind the 
filmy curtains in the middle second-story 
room of the big house there sat a lonely boy, 
watching with eyes that often smarted, her 
own merry flock, and swallowing a lump in 
his throat when Dimple came close to the 
hedge — if she had known it, she would al- 
most — perhaps quite — have gone across and 
begged him to come. But Mamma Shipley 
didnT know it — not then. 

Joy often looked over and wondered about 
the Shining Palace, as she called it, though 
Ben took her to task for the title. “ It don’t 
shine — not so you could notice it,” he de- 
clared. It’s a big, scowling pile of stone, 
and that’s all. People? They must be 
Egyptian mummies — they don’t come out 
where you can see ’em, like live folks would.” 

[ 20 ] 


THE MARCH WIND HELPS 


The nice boy does — he goes to school 
every morning, and it is a palace, and it does 
shine. If you^d look out at night you^d see 
every window glowing with a soft, white 
light, not yellow, like our lamps. And the 
lace curtains make lovely patterns on the 
white shades. But, then, you boys are such 
sleepy-heads you never see anything after 
supper only dream people and Land o’ Nod 
menageries.” 

I’m afraid the young chap doesn’t have 
any too lively a time of it,” Papa Ship- 
ley said later to Mamma. Mr. Pearce 

tells me that the Kingsburys are very ex- 
clusive, and the boy has few playmates, I 
judge.” 

That’s why Joy has been so interested,” 
said Mamma Shipley with conviction. Trust 
her for seeing through things. Poor lad, he 
must have some playmates hereafter. The 
children shall be more friendly.” 

Mr. Shipley smiled drolly. “Maybe it’s 
as well the way it is. Mamma. It is possible 
his aristocratic family are not as much in 
love with the young Shipleys as we are, 
[ 21 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


honey.” Mamma bristled up. I’m simply 
ashamed of you, Henry! ” she said severely 
Our children are well-born and well-bred. 
What more could you ask? ” 

Not a thing, honey, not one thing in all 
this wide world. Any flock that has you for 
its mother is good enough to associate with 
dukes and princesses.” And Mr. Shipley 
meant every word he said. 

Well, then,” said Mamma, leave the 
rest to me — and to Joy. Of all pitiful 
things, one of the worst is an only child — 
especially a rich one. Poor laddie! ” 

It was the very next day that the frolic- 
some March wind came to Mamma Shipley’s 
help in the matter. Dimple was out in the 
sunshine with her yellow curls hidden under 
an enchanting httle blue bonnet, for the 
air was chilly and Dimple had been known 
to have croup. Watch her, Joy, while you 
are weeding that border,” said the mother 
as she tied the blue strings. “ Don’t let her 
go bareheaded, whatever you do.” But the 
strings were in the way and Dimple tugged 
them loose just as the frolicsome breeze 
[ 22 ] 


THE MARCH WIND HELPS 


came by. It stirred the sunny curls about 
the baby^s neck, then gayly lifted the blue 
bonnet and tossed it quite over the hedge 
onto the wide lawn of the Shining Palace. 

There wasn’t a soul to hand it back, and 
for a wonder the boy Shipleys had aU gone 
downtown with their father. The prickly 
hedge couldn’t be climbed — so much was 
sure — and there wasn’t a bit of a gap that 
one could slip through in neighborly fash- 
ion. Joy took Dimple in the house. Her 
bonnet’s clear over in the Kingsbury yard,” 
she announced. There isn’t a way to get it 
only to go clear around and in their front 
gate. I hate to, really. Mamma.” 

^^Well, Joy, if that’s the only way, don’t 
stand parleying — go get it. I want Dimple 
to be out all she can while it’s sunny.” But 
Joy was mistaken in thinking that no one 
knew her dilemma. Van, in his window, saw 
the httle blue introduction sail over the 
hedge and waited for no second chance. 
When Joy stepped off the back porch, there 
he stood at the hedge, holding out the bon- 
net and smiling so happily that Mother 
[ 23 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Kingsbury would hardly have known the 
smile for Van^s. 

I saw the little girl lose it. You’re wel- 
come,” he said awkwardly, half turned to go, 
then hesitated. He couldn’t bear to start 
back to his quiet room so soon. It’s a — a 
nice day,” he stammered. 

Yes, only windy,” Joy answered, her 
own color coming and going. Bother,” she 
was saying to herself, I wish Papa hadn’t 
said that about their being — er — exclusive. 
Maybe he doesn’t want — ” Oh, but he did. 
He pointed to a tree near by and called at- 
tention to its swelling buds. Then to the 
grass at his feet, where a soft green tinge was 
showing. I’m glad it’s spring,” he ven- 
tured. And I’m glad you folks are here. 
This place would seem awfully lonesome if 
you’d go away again.” 

Is that so? ” asked Joy, smiling broadly. 
“ I’m sure you’re kind to say it.” 

Van turned and faced her squarely. Not 
hah as kind as you are to be here. I’ve en- 
joyed it, no end — watching you, you know. 
You don’t mind? ” 


THE MARCH WIND HELPS 


The girl laughed out in a merry fashion of 
her own. No, indeed. If you can see any- 
thing to amuse you in the Shipleys, I give 
you leave to enjoy it.’’ 

Thanks, that’s good of you. Shipley — 
is that your name? ” 

Yes, it’s all of our name, but we each have 
something else attached to it. There’s Ben 
and Bert and Billy — the three Bees, we call 
them, and it’s a pretty good name, because 
they really do keep busy. Billy’s got the 
sweetest disposition so we call him honey 
bee. Bert’s got a temper, though he does 
try to control it, and he is improving, heaps. 
He’s the stinging bee; and Ben is the worker 
bee. We haven’t any drones.” 

I should think not from all I’ve seen,” 
laughingly agreed Van, now quite at his ease. 

And the rest? ” 

Daniel — Dandy for short. He’s our 
little brother and Dimple’s the baby.” 

She’s the one that wears the blue bonnet, 
isn’t she? She looks like a fairy or an angel.” 

^^Well, she isn’t either one, for she has a 
will of her own, and I don’t suppose angels 
[ 25 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


have. And she^s too solid to be a fairy. But 
she is the sweetest thing in this world — we 
wouldn^t trade her off for mints and mines of 
money.^’ 

I guess not. I know I wouldn’t if she be- 
longed at our house. But you didn’t tell me 
about yourself.” 

Me? I’m just Joy. I don’t amount to 
much, for I’m pretty frivolous, I’m afraid.” 

Joy Shipley. I like that,” said Van 
honestly. Is that all? ” 

Of course Papa and Mamma come first — 
they’re the best ever. And last comes the 
Noah’s ark.” 

The what? ” 

“ Noah’s ark — animals, you know. Horses, 
cow, cat, dog, chickens, and rabbits. There 
was a guinea-pig, but he died. Also some 
white rats, but Papa made Bensie give them 
away — they’re sort of a nuisance. So we 
only have the other things left. Now tell 
about your pets.” 

I haven’t one,” said Van, feeling very 
much ashamed of such a confession. You 
see, I’m the only kid over our way and the 
[ 26 ] 


THE MARCH WIND HELPS 


grown-ups aren’t much on animals. I wish 
they were — I’d love a nice dog, no end.” 

Yankee Doodle isn’t very nice — I mean, 
he’s just a httle brown terrier — but we love 
him anyway, and he’s as smart as he can be.” 

“ I know — I’ve seen him. He’s a dandy. 
Is that all? ” 

All? It’s all the family, if that’s what 
you mean. We moved to town so we chil- 
dren could have better schools, and Papa’s 
got a big store to build. He used to be a con- 
tractor before he went on a farm, and now 
he’s going back to it again.” 

I see. How did you ever find the Little 
Yellow House? ” 

I think it had been saving itself up for us. 
It’s so exactly what we wanted and never ex- 
pected to find. Of course it has to be fixed 
up a lot, but Papa knows how to do every- 
thing under the shining sun except what 
Mamma knows, so we don’t mind if it is 
tumble-down. Now please tell me about 
you.” 

Van’s face sobered. “ There isn’t a thing 
to tell — not interesting like yours is,” he as- 
[ 27 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


sured her. It’s just humdrum over our 
way — school and then home and studies. 
Grandfather can’t stand noise and mother 
mustn’t get excited about anything. She 
has dreadful headaches if she does. She’s 
got one to-day. She sends us all out — we 
can’t do a thing to help her.” The boy 
looked sorrowful and Joy’s bright eyes 
clouded. That’s too awfully bad,” she 
said. Can’t your father help her either? ” 
“ Oh, dad doesn’t know one thing about 
nerves. He says he hasn’t got any. He 
isn’t home much — his business keeps him 
away a good deal.” 

I shouldn’t like that,” said Joy, de- 
cidedly, trying to imagine home without 
Papa Shipley coming and going. 

We don’t always get what we like,” re- 
marked Van, sagely. 

Joy looked thoughtful. No, I suppose 
not,” she agreed. “ But we can help some by 
trying to like what we get.” 


[ 28 ] 


CHAPTER III 
JOY GOES VISITING 

Who said Joy^d beat us to it? Who’s a 
true prophesier? ” demanded Ben, laughing 
into his sister’s eager face. 

Well, could I help it? Did I throw the 
bonnet over the hedge? ” asked Joy with an 
air of injured innocence. 

Who can teU? I can’t,” Ben teased, 
while Billy wanted to know: ^^Why didn’t 
you invite him over? I’d hke to get ac- 
quainted with him. Say, it’s lucky they 
shorten that name — Van Ren — what? ” 

“ Van Rensselaer Kingsbury,” Joy re- 
peated with much precision. I did ask him 
over, but he had to go back so he could hear 
his mother’s bell if she wanted him.” 

Our mother doesn’t have to ring bells for 
us, do you. Mamma, dear? ” and Bert laid a 
loving hand on the shoulder near by. 

No, Bert, boy. But I don’t have dread- 
[ 29 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


ful headaches, I’m thankful to say. Did you 
ask him to come some other time, Joy? ” 

^^Yes, I told him any time would be all 
right and he thanked me and said he’d love 
to. But, Mamma, he didn’t say he would. 
I especially noticed that. Why do you sup- 
pose that was? ” 

“ Had to ask permission, of course, and 
wasn’t sure about getting it.” Ben looked 
disgusted. Aren’t you glad we’re not ' ex- 
clusive,’ Billy? ” 

M-hm.” The speaker’s mouth was full 
of popcorn. 

^^Well, I’m just as sorry as I can be for 
Van.” Joy returned to her first subject. 
“ He’s a nice boy, just as I said all the time, 
but he’s a perfect prisoner in the Shining 
Palace and in the Latin school. Think of 
it — as if English wasn’t hard enough to 
learn.” 

They don’t speak Latin altogether, kid 
sister,” Ben explained. They come down 
to United States lingo now and then.” 

Don’t you suppose I know that? ” de- 
manded Joy. But they must do more with 
[ 30 ] 


JOY GOES VISITING 


Latin than we do in ordinary public schools or 
else they have no right to call themselves 
by that name. Anyhow, I^m sorry for him.’^ 

So am I, poor laddie,^’ said Mamma 
Shipley, holding Bensie close to her side. 

It^s so lovely that there are six of ours. I 
wouldn^t want an only child for anything.’’ 

Well, we’ve decided on a way to make 
some money,” Ben told them, changing the 
subject. 

Who’s ^ we ’? ” demanded his sister. 

Pops and us boys,” was the reply, given 
with calm assurance. 

If Papa’s in it it’s all right,” commented 
Joy. ^^How?” 

Pigeons,” answered Ben. 

All of us? ’’asked Joy. 

Us boys, I said. Us and Pops.” 

My patience, Bensie, talk about gram- 
mar — ” Joy left the sentence unfinished 
and her brother reddened. 

“ Father, William, Burchard, Daniel, and 
yours truly. Is that better, your ladyship? ” 

Much. You really ought to try to be 
more dignified if you are going to keep on 
[ 31 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


being the oldest when I’m getting so tall,” 
advised Joy» 

“ She’s brushed up against aristocracy and 
caught the germ — the microbe — the what 
do you call ’em? ” 

She’s infected. That’s what Dr. Brown 
said when I caught the measles from Dandy,” 
put in BiUy. 

Yep, that’s it. Anyway, we’re going to 
have pigeons.” 

“ Where? when? how? ” asked Joy, who 
couldn’t bear to wait for slow details. 

^ Not so fast, I beseech you, my friend,’ ” 
quoted Ben from the old tale of the monkey 
and the cats. They’ll be homers and can’t 
be turned loose. We’ll build a flying pen 
behind the barn with a pigeon house adjoin- 
ing. We’re going to begin with ten pairs and 
buy more after we can afford it. They’re 
good money-makers.” 

“ Please tell me how.” Joy’s voice was 
incredulous. “ How can pigeons, shut up in a 
pen, make money? Their eggs are too Httle to 
sell; you’d better buy more chickens instead.” 

“ We’d better do no such thing. The big 
[ 32 |] 


JOY GOES VISITING 


hotel downtown uses all the squabs it can 
get and pays thirty-five cents apiece for 
^em. That^s what the Shipleys are going to 
raise — squabs. Behold us, the future mil- 
lionaires with flying pens that cover an acre 
of ground and other things to match. Sup- 
per ready, Ma, dear? Here’s Pops.” 

Now, boys, one thing must be under- 
stood,” said Mr. Shipley, as he hung his hat 
on its hook. No pigeon work is to be done 
till this place is in apple-pie order.” 

A chorus of moans was the only answer, 
but Mamma Shipley nodded. That’s as it 
should be, Henry, dear,” she said. Once 
let these children get interested in a new 
scheme and old ones are sure to suffer.” 

“ There won’t any old ones suffer this time, 
honey,” Papa promised. The Little Yel- 
low House and all that belongs to it will be 
in order before the homers move in.” 

And so it proved. For though with the 
Shipleys to decide was to act, they believed 
in doing things properly as one went along. 
So visions of flying pen and feed boxes were 
pushed back in certain boyish brains, while 
[ 33 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


hoe and rake, wheelbarrow and shovel, took 
first place. It wasn^t play, either, even 
though they made merry over it all. Each 
did his share — or hers — toward making the 
Little Yellow House the home of their dreams. 
No one was left out, for you may be sure 
Mamma and Joy were not behind the boys, 
and Dimple was chief sunshine maker for 
them all. 

But somehow the little beginning of friend- 
ship with Van went no farther. Try 
as Joy would to see beyond the fihny cur- 
tains, Van was nowhere in evidence. She 
wondered if he were watching the Shipleys — 
himself unseen. I guess theyVe forbidden 
him to associate with us,’^ she declared at 
last. I’m sure it isn’t his fault, for he said 
he wanted to know us.” 

Come to think of it, I saw a doctor’s auto 
go up the drive as I passed there this morn- 
ing,” said Mr. Shipley. It may be the lad 
who is sick.” 

It happened that Papa was right, for a 
heavy cold had laid Van up and frightened 
his mother. The next morning after the 
[ 34 ] 


JOY GOES VISITING 


Shipleys discussed the matter was Van's 
first day out of bed and he made at once for 
his favorite seat by the window. Joy was 
transplanting pansies in the back border 
when he first caught a glimpse of her. He 
pushed the curtain aside and waved his 
handkerchief. She caught the gleam of white 
and waved back, then, acting on a sudden 
impulse, beckoned. Van shook his head 
slowly as if sorry to decline the invitation, 
then pointed to his dressing-gown, passed 
his hand across his throat, then his forehead, 
and leaned back in his chair. 

“Is he having convulsions, or what? " 
demanded Ben, who saw the performance. 

“ I think he is trying to use the sign lan- 
guage, like the North American Indians used 
to do," explained Joy, who had been reading 
up on aboriginal history. 

“ I thought it was something heathenish," 
teased Ben. “ Now maybe you can explain 
it, since you're so wise." 

Joy was troubled and did not resent the 
charge. “ I think he's sick, " she said slowly. 
“ I think he means he can't come out, and 
[ 35 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


I^m just as sorry as I can be. Bensie, it 
wouldn^t be a bit of fun to be a prisoner, not 
even in a Shining Palace.’’ 

You’re right it wouldn’t — not on your 
life,” and Ben drew his lungs full of the sweet 
air and doubled up his brown fist. Say, 
Joy, it looks Hke that Kingsbury kid isn’t 
having a fair show in the world, doesn’t it? ” 
Indeed it does look just that way.” Joy 
was most emphatic. And it’s up to us to see 
if we can’t sort of help him some way. I’m 
going in to talk to Mamma.” 

It was fifteen minutes later when Ben saw 
her again. She was walking up the street in a 
crisp pink gingham, a pink bonnet on her 
black curls that was like Dimple’s blue one 
only for the color, a white-covered some- 
thing in one hand and a bunch of jonquils 
in the other. 

Ben watched her curiously. She never 
is — well, of all the nerve! ” he exclaimed to 
Bert, then leaving the pansies to take care 
of themselves, he went to the house for an 
explanation. 

Up the stone steps went the little pink 
[ 36 ] 


JOY GOES VISITING 


figure as steadily as if her heart were not 
pounding in her ears. She rang the bell and 
waited. An extremely dignified man opened 
the door — a man with a dress coat on and a 
little silver card-tray in his hand. IVe 
come to inquire about Van/^ Joy explained 
in a very small voice. He’s sick, isn’t 
he? ” 

The dignified man unbent a little. How 
could he help it when a face as sweet as a 
rosebud looked up at him from a bonnet the 
color of its own cheeks? 

Yes, Master Van Rensselaer had been ill, 
but was better. Was there a message? 
The brown eyes opened gleefully. Half scared 
though she was, the visitor couldn’t fail to 
enjoy this new experience. I’m the mes- 
sage myself, if you please, sir,” she said. 

My mother sent me to see Van, with her 
love. May I go up? ” 

Had anything like this ever happened in 
the house of Kingsbury? Certainly not, so 
far as Godfrey knew. It bewildered him and 
he hesitated, hardly knowing how to answer. 
But Van had seen the little pink figure on 
[ 37 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


its way and just at the proper moment a 
maid appeared to escort the young lady to 
Master Van Rensselaer’s sitting-room. Up 
the stately stairs they went, Joy storing 
away all details to take home with her. It 
was a beautiful room where the boy sat, look- 
ing very pale and weak and young. Joy felt 
quite motherly as she laid down her flowers 
to shake hands. 

Bring some water in that tall vase, 
please, Marie,” said Van to the maid. How 
sweet they are! Let me have them here 
where I can smell them. How cool they 
feel, and soft. How did you come to think 
about them? It was awfully good of you.” 

“ I didn’t — it was Mamma. She thinks of 
everything for boys and girls — especially 
sick ones. Papa brought her a big bunch 
last night and she divided with you.” 

Thank her for me, won’t you? I oughtn’t 
to take them away from her, though,” and 
Van looked troubled. 

Joy laughed. “ I don’t see how you can 
help it when she gave them to you. We had 
a big bed of them at the farm and Mamma 
[ 38 ] 


JOY GOES VISITING 


likes them because they bloom so early. She 
says they seem so brave and cheerful, like 
little splotches of sunshine.’’ 

“ So they do. I love them, too.” 

^^Well, next year you can have all you 
want, because we’ll have them of our own 
then, and you can come across and help 
yourself,” and Joy nodded as cordially as if 
the splotches of sunshine ” already graced 
the yard of the Little Yellow House. Next 
she uncovered a dish and showed her host a 
mold of jelly. 

It’s lemon gelatine. Mamma hoped 
you’d like it. We’re going to have it for 
supper, but it’s very good for sick people and 
she thought you might try to eat some of it.” 

“ Indeed I will, and thank you and her! 
I’ll come and thank her myself when the doc- 
tor lets me out. Now please tell me about 
everything. I haven’t been so I could look 
over for a week and I suppose you’ve been 
doing heaps of interesting things.” 

Joy shook her head. “ No, just plain 
everydays — cleaning and painting. Did you 
notice our new paint? ” 

[ 39 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Yes, I did. It^s fine — looks like the sun 
was shining in among the green things.^’ 

The visitor clapped her hands. That 
will please Mamma most of all,^^ she de- 
clared. That^s exactly the way she wanted 
it to look, and she says we ought to try to 
make it sunshiny inside as well as out.’’ 

That’s why she thought of me, wasn’t it?” 

It’s why she thinks of everybody — to 
try to make them all as bright as she can. 
I’m proud of Mamma Shipley, Van.” 

'' Of course you are,” the boy agreed. 

Tell me some more.” 

“ Oh, let me see. Pigeons — we’re to begin 
them next month. The boys are to raise 
squabs for the hotel. They are to build 
everything themselves, only Papa will help 
where they need it.” 

That will be fun, won’t it? ” Van’s voice 
was eager. 

Joy considered. I suppose it will be, but 
not all fun. There’ll be some work, too. 
But we don’t mind. Papa and Mamma 
think that what we work for we enjoy a lot 
better, and of course they’re right.” 

[ 40 ] 


JOY GOES VISITING 


Do you all work? 

Do we? Joy laughingly answered. 

Didn^t I tell you there were no drones in 
our hive? ’’ 

Of course youVe been busy getting 
settled, but after that^s all done, then what? 
Van^s tone was curious. This was a new 
thought to him — that boys and girls should 
work because they must, and yet enjoy it. 

“ Well, there’s Bensie; he attends to Star 
— milks her and keeps house for her — the 
stable, you know. Bert and Billy take care 
of Dick and Dolly — good care, too. Papa 
won’t allow the animals to be neglected. 
Dandy feeds and waters the chickens and 
bunnies. Mamma and I do the housework 
and sewing, and Dimple — she is the Queen 
Bee that rules every one. Papa slips in 
among us aU and sees that everything goes 
right everywhere.” 

“ I see — it’s very nice.” Van sighed and 
leaned back. Somehow the Shining Palace 
didn’t seem near as attractive a place to live 
in as the Little Yellow House. 

Just then the door opened and Mrs. 

[ 41 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Kingsbury came in. She was a very hand- 
some lady and her beautiful dress trailed 
long and soft behind her, over the velvet 
carpet. Van introduced his visitor and the 
lady greeted her politely, but Joy felt un- 
comfortable and her color rose. 

Over in her own home a few minutes later, 
Joy hugged and kissed Mamma Shipley, and 
there were almost tears in her eyes as she 
said, She’s lovely as a picture, but oh, think 
of having nobody but a very dressed-up lady 
for your mother! ” 

In the Shining Palace Mrs. Kingsbury was 
saying: She seems like a ladylike child. 

Van, and you may call and thank her mother. 
They mean well, no doubt, but people like 
that must be kept at a distance. Imagine 
those dreadful boys coming here! ” 

But even as Van imagined, he left out the 
word “ dreadful.” 


[ 42 ] 


CHAPTER IV 
VAN GOES DRIVING 

It was a fine spring morning when Van 
set out for his promised call; the air was a 
tonic in itself and the sun shone as it can 
shine only on spring mornings. Van no- 
ticed all the changes in the Little Yellow 
House as he walked toward it. He went 
slowly, for he wasnT strong, even yet. He 
had not realized how shaky he was till he 
started out alone. 

They haven’t spoiled a thing,” he de- 
clared half aloud. It looks like a — a big 
birdhouse, just as much as ever, only it’s 
cleaner and fresher.” He went through the 
front gate, which swung on its own good 
hinges. The woodbine was still there, but 
it had been trimmed into shape — a clump 
on each side already greening into leaf. The 
walk to the house showed red and clean as 
brick walks should show, and not a blade of 
[ 43 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


grass crept beyond its border. Shutters 
hung tidily, the porch was white as paint 
could make it, and the brand-new bell on 
the front door shone like gold. 

I wish mother could see it all — close,’’ 
the boy thought, wistfully. She’d know 
what sort of folks they are if she’d once come 
up this walk. But, of course, she never 
will.” 

The door flew open to his ring with such 
hospitable haste that the visitor almost fell 
into Mamma Shipley’s arms. 

Good-morning,” she said cheerily. You 
are Van, aren’t you? I’m ever so glad to see 
you and I’m just delighted that you’ve come 
at this very time. Walk in and let me tell 
you all about it. This chair, dear. It’s more 
comfortable. Feel a little weak yet, don’t 
you? Joy, some of that grape juice, daugh- 
ter, and a plate of cookies.” 

The boy hadn’t said a word — he only 
beamed. Was ever so pleasant a welcome 
given to a stranger? Before he knew it he 
was in the biggest old Sleepy Hollow chair, 
with Mamma Shipley handing him a glass 
[ 44 ] 


VAN GOES DRIVING 


of something delicious and Joy holding crisp, 
sugary cookies before his eyes. 

Thank you, no end. This is — is dandy! ” 
he said at last. I — I feel as if I^d been 
knowing you always.’’ 

That’s quite as it should be,” Mrs. 
Shipley assured him. How would you like 
a ride this glorious day? ” 

“ A ride? ” Van didn’t understand. 

Yes, in the Dayton, behind Dick and 
Dolly. Mr. Shipley and the boys are going 
to the farm for some plants we left behind, 
and there’s plenty of room for you.” 

Van’s eyes widened and brightened. “Oh, 
I’d like that,” he said. “ You’re sure I 
wouldn’t crowd anybody? ” 

“ Sure as sure.” Mamma told him. “ Joy 
and I are not going to-day, and the Dayton 
has held us all many a time. It will do you 
more good than a quart of medicine, lad.” 

Yes, it would. Van was sure of that. “ I 
never do get to ride behind horses,” he said 
in a burst of confidence, “ though I love 
them.” 

“ I shouldn’t think you’d care for com- 
[ 45 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


mon animals like ours when you^re used to 
your gorgeous automobile,” put in Joy. I 
never would get in an old Dayton if we had 
that.” 

Van shook his head. “ It’s no fun,” he de- 
clared. Mother doesn’t go out much, 
grandfather’s afraid of it, and dad’s never 
home to go riding. Mother won’t let me 
learn to drive it for fear I’ll get hurt. You 
see, she’s so nervous that she can’t under- 
stand that there wouldn’t be a bit of danger 
while Dick’s there. He’s our chauffeur.” 

Oh, but think of the luxury !” Joy gave an 
ecstatic bounce at the thought, but Van 
failed to respond. 

No fun riding all alone in a big thing 
like that,” he persisted. I’d rather walk 
any old time. But Hve horses — they are dif- 
ferent.” 

Yes,” agreed Joy, “ I should think they 
were.” 

Then it’s settled? ” Mamma Shipley rose. 

I must pack a few sandwiches. The boy 
Shipleys are always hungry, Van. How 
about the boy Kingsbury? ” 

[ 46 ] 


VAN GOES DRIVING 


Sandwiches sound good to me/^ he an- 
swered grinning, though as a matter of fact 
he^d been eating very little of late. But 
I'll have to tell Mother, first." 

Couldn't I take the message? I'd love 
to go over and see Godfrey again." Joy 
laughed roguishly. 

Van sat back, relieved. Perhaps Mother 
would be more apt to consent if bright- 
faced Joy bore the request. 

She was back in a flash. I saw him — 
Godfrey," she reported. He took my mes- 
sage to somebody and somebody said your 
mother said all right if you feel able. She is 
not to be bothered till she rings, because she's 
lying down. Isn't it too bad to have to lie 
down in spring daytime? " Joy sighed and 
shook her head, but Van looked cheerful. 

I don't think Mother minds," he said. 

She's used to it." 

Just then they flocked in — the four noisy 
lads with Papa Shipley heading the proces- 
sion and looking as if he was only a bigger 
and older boy, which, indeed, he was. Van 
fairly blossomed. In ten minutes he was 
[ 47 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


discussing baseball and the league games as 
loudly as Bensie, and telling which players 
he liked best in a way that surprised himself. 
Then they piled into the big, easy Dayton. 

Put Van in front with you, Henry, 
Mamma gave orders. He’s fond of horses 
and may want to drive some of the way.” 

The visitor gave a bhssful wriggle, then 
remembered his manners.” Maybe the 
others — ” he began pohtely, but Papa inter- 
rupted: Never mind the others this time, 

lad,” he said kindly. They can drive next 
week, maybe, or next month. Here we go.” 
How that man managed it. Van couldn’t 
have told, but Papa Shipley lifted the tall 
lad bodily and set him on the spring seat 
as if he’d been Dimple. If there was a gentle 
pressure of the kind arms about the slim 
body on the way up, maybe it was an acci- 
dent — and maybe it wasn’t. Papa Shipley 
felt very much as his wife did about only ” 
children. 

Ben and Dandy sat in the middle seat with 
Billy and Bert in the rear, while Dick and 
Dolly in front fairly pranced to be off. 

[ 48 ] 


VAN GOES DRIVING 


“ They^re skittish as colts/ ^ said Mr. Ship- 
ley, gathering up the reins. They haven't 
had much to do lately, and they're anxious 
to go. We're off, honey! Good-bye, girls! " 
and out of the yard they went, followed by a 
chorus of good-bys. Van looked back to see 
Mamma Shipley waving her apron, Joy her 
pink bonnet, and , Dimple a dilapidated rag 
doll. He sent a glance across to the windows 
of the Shining Palace, but no one was in 
sight. He wondered whether Mother would 
approve of such a noisy departure. For him- 
self, he thought it was the very best kind. 

Drive? He held the reins almost every 
yard of the way, for the prancings soon 
ceased and the pair took up their usual 
steady pace. They're dandies, aren't they, 
Mr. Shipley? " he said at last, with shining 
face. Good goers, and they don't have to 
be urged, either." 

They'll do," Mr. Shipley smihngly an- 
swered back. “ Pretty dependable, we have 
found them." 

Such a merry ride as it was! Once out of 
the city and on the country road, the boy 
[ 49 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Shipleys let themselves go and sang or shouted, 
told jokes or related pranks, till the driver’s 
sides ached from laughter and his cheeks 
felt strained out of shape. You see, neither 
sides nor cheeks were used to that sort of 
exercise. 

Papa Shipley wasn’t a bit better. The tales 
he told of his own experiences as a hunter for 
big game one northern winter were as thrilling 
as Van’s books of adventure dared be. Then, 
there were the sandwiches and more cookies, 
and a stop at a crystal spring so tucked away 
under mossy rocks that only those who knew 
its hiding-place could have dipped their cup 
in its icy waters. 

Finally came the farm itseK, with all its 
treasures to be explored and displayed. The 
country dinner — chicken and dumplings, pie 
and cake, preserves with cream — was a revela- 
tion to the Kingsbury heir. Everything was 
put on the table at once and one set of plates, 
knives, and forks apiece did duty throughout 
the meal. But how Van ate! He wondered 
if anything had ever been so good before. If 
only Mother could have a bit of the white 
[ 50 ] 


VAN GOES DRIVING 


meat/’ so juicy and tender and sweet. Well, 
since she couldn’t, perhaps he might as well — 

Just one more piece — yes, and a little of 
the gravy.” Potatoes? One spoonful, and 
a turnip.” Oh, if Mother Kingsbury could 
have seen his plate when he began and again 
when he finished! But perhaps it was as well 
she didn’t, though it didn’t hurt him — not 
one single bit. And when he got back to the 
Little Yellow House, he had room for an apple- 
turnover warm from the oven. There were 
six of them waiting — the turnovers, one 
apiece for the travelers, and a big pitcher of 
creamy milk. They sat around the kitchen 
table and ate their lunch off a tidy red-and- 
white cloth, and fed bits of crust to Yankee 
Doodle, and Mamma Shipley didn’t say a word 
only, Don’t get crumbs on my clean floor. 
Dandy.” You see, the Shipleys didn’t have 
any company manners. They would have 
acted just the same if Queen Wilhelmina had 
come in unexpectedly to lunch as they did 
when it was Van Rensselaer Kingsbury. 

Because,” argued Mamma Shipley, what 
is suitable for our own family is suitable for 
[ 51 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


our friends.” And the friends all seemed to 
agree. 

But there — something else had happened 
in the meantime. There were several things 
between the triumphal departure of the Day- 
ton chariot and its return. It wasnT more 
then ten minutes after Dick and Dolly had 
spun through the gate — just long enough 
to get safely out of sight so they couldnT 
be called back — when Godfrey himself ap- 
peared at the Little Yellow House. Joy 
opened the door and stood looking at him, 
surprised, but smihng. He had come for 
Van, if youll beheve it! Mrs. Kingsbury^s 
headache was coming on and it was her 
maid^s afternoon out. She had forgotten 
that when she gave Master Van Rensselaer 
permission, and she would need him at home. 

Mercy me, Godfrey, he’s gone this long 
time ago,” declared Joy, divided between 
gladness that Van wasn’t to miss his fun 
and sympathy for the headache. Her maid 
will just have to stay in and go some other 
time.” 

A queer httle look came across Godfrey’s 
[ 52 ] 


VAN GOES DRIVING 


lips. It looked almost like a smile, and he 
unbent enough to say to the bright-faced 
lass, “ Marie wouldn’t stay hin. Miss, not if 
the ’ole ’ouse ’ad the ’eadache.” 

Joy sobered instantly. “ Now isn’t that 
too bad? ” she asked. Is Mrs. Kingsbury 
very sick, Godfrey? I mean, is there much 
to do for her? ” 

Sometimes they aren’t hany thing. Miss. 
Sometimes she’s all for being quiet. Then 
again, it’s hice water and hammonia. But 
if Master Van Rensselaer’s gone. Miss — ” 

He is — clear away. What time does 
Marie go, Godfrey? ” 

One-thirty, Miss, till ten.” 

I’m just as sorry as I can be. Maybe 
Mamma can think of something. She’s very 
helpful, Godfrey.” 

Yes, Miss. Good-day, Miss.” 

What Mamma Shipley did think of was 
surprising — to anybody but her daughter, 
who, being very much like the mother, had 
already thought of the same thing. At one- 
fifteen by the old hall clock that never went 
wrong, a httle pink figure stole out of the 
[ 53 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


gate with the new hinges and up to the gray 
stone steps. When Godfrey opened the door, 
there smiled up at him from a bewitching 
pink bonnet a gypsy face framed in black 
curls with cheeks the color of a rose. 

IVe come over to take care of Mrs. 
Kingsbury, Godfrey,’’ the visitor said. I 
came early enough so Marie could tell me 
what to do. Ice water and ammonia are 
easy, but if a person needs them, especially 
a sick person, it would be awful to do with- 
out.” 

And Godfrey gasped. 


[ 54 ] 


CHAPTER V 
A VOLUNTEER NURSE 

It was most unusual. Marie knew it as 
well as Godfrey did. But what could they do 
with a girl hke Joy, at once so sweet and so 
determined? Mamma Shipley had sent her 
to take care of Mrs. Kingsbury, and to Joy 
that was enough. 

Besides that, one-thirty had almost arrived, 
and Marie never let herseK be late. So, since 
Master Van Rensselaer was away and the 
madam might need attention— at that, Marie 
glanced at the clock, shrugged her shoulders, 
and said, “ Come, Mees — Shipley, is it 
not? 

I^m Joy,’’ corrected the visitor. 

Mees Joy — this way.” Marie had a 
funny little French accent which Joy found 
most fascinating as she listened to the hur- 
ried directions. She was to stop quietly in 
the sitting-room unless a certain bell tinkled. 

[ 55 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


If it did, she should sHp very softly into Mrs. 
Kingsbury^s room and attend to her wants, 
whatever they might be. She will not need 
so much — maybe not at all till the young 
monsieur return,’’ Marie said finally. Eet 
is kind of you. I will go.” 

Joy sat looking around the beautiful room 
and wondering how Van hked to be called a 
young monsieur.” 

“ It’s extremely interesting. Let me see. 
I suppose I’d be mademoiselle.” She pro- 
nounced each syllable in a way that would 
have opened French eyes in horror, then 
reached for a magazine that lay on the table. 
It was very quiet. Not a sound broke the 
stillness till the silence itseK seemed to boom 
in her ears, which were used to the bustle of 
the Little Yellow House. 

In the darkened room adjoining lay the 
lady of the Shining Palace with throbbing 
head pressed into her pillows and hands over 
her eyes to shut out the light. 

I wonder if Marie has gone,” she mur- 
mured. “ There must be a crack of sunshine 
somewhere. I can feel it to my brain. If 
[ 56 ] 


A VOLUNTEER NURSE 


only I’d kept Van at home. Oh, dear, I do 
need someone.” 

She touched the electric attachment under 
her pillow and an instant later Joy stood be- 
side her. Mrs. Kingsbury did not uncover 
her eyes. 

I’m glad you haven’t gone, Marie,” she 
said, moaning. Do try to get this room 
properly darkened. The light is blind- 
ing.” 

Joy looked about her without speaking. 
A small, black silk scarf hung on the arm of a 
costumer near by and she reached for it. 

I’m Joy,” she said softly. Marie went. 
The curtains are all down, so I’ll just lay this 
over your eyes — so.” 

That’s better.” Mrs. Kingsbury was too 
ill to be surprised at her new nurse. My 
hands ache from covering my eyes.” 

“ I’ll rub them — like this.” The plump 
httle fingers, cool and soft, took hold of the 
hot, tired hands of the sufferer and smoothed 
them gently till their nervous twitching 
stopped. I’m cold,” Mrs. Kingsbury said, 
shivering. A silken comfort lay across the 
[ 57 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


bed and Joy spread it over her, tucking it 
gently in place, just as she had tucked sleep- 
ing Dimple’s covers many a time. 

“ My temples throb so — Oh, Marie ought 
to have stayed with me today.” 

I’m here,” Joy told her. I’ll fix them.” 
A pitcher stood on a stand and the girl 
poured out a glass of ice water, then dipping 
her fingers, she touched the swoUen, aching 
veins. Softly and steadily she stroked them 
with a slow, even motion, over and over, 
back and forth. Dipping now and then in 
the cold water, she kept the slow motion up 
till the sufferer finally stopped moaning. 
Then the tense muscles relaxed and after 
what seemed a long time Joy could tell that 
her patient had fallen asleep. Joy did not 
move for fear of waking her. 

It was very tiresome. The girlish fingers 
felt like wood and her arms were numb from 
the cramped position, but the slow motions 
kept on till at last Mrs. Kingsbury awoke, 
with a Httle start, and pushed the scarf 
away from her eyes. Dimly she saw an un- 
familiar form bending over her. 

[ 58 ] 


A VOLUNTEER NURSE 


Why — who — where? she gasped, be- 
wildered for the instant. 

I^m Joy,^^ the visitor said again, simply. 

I^m taking care of you till Van comes 
home.’’ 

Have I been asleep? ” was the next 
puzzled question. 

Yes, for a long time. Are you better? ” 

I do believe I am. You have rubbed my 
pain away. Child, are you a witch or a ma- 
gician? ” 

“ No. Just Joy Shipley from the Little 
Yellow House.” 

The lady came to her senses then and 
stiffened. One of the dreaded crew ” here, 
uninvited, in her own private room! Could 
it be? Then she looked again into the sweet 
face with its dimpled chin and its broad 
white forehead, and melted. You are a 
dear, anyway,” she said, whatever the rest 
may be.” 

They are all dear — very, very dear,” 
Joy told her, sitting straight. She had felt 
the sting of the words. 

Are they? ” The question sounded 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


amused and the answer was given ear- 
nestly. 

Yes, indeed. I’m really not half good 
enough to belong to Mamma and Papa, but 
I’m theirs, so they love me and try to make 
me better.” 

Where did you learn to nurse? ” was the 
next question. 

I never learned — I don’t know how,” 
Joy said. But Mamma thought if it was 
just ice water and ammonia I’d be better than 
nobody. She said I should try to think how 
I’d like things if I had a dreadful headache, 
and not bother you with questions.” 

Wise woman,” said Mrs. Kingsbury, and 
Joy beamed. At all events, she has a capa- 
ble daughter.” 

Yes’m. I’m glad you think so,” said the 
girl, modestly. 

“I wonder if I am really over this 
spell.” Mrs. Kingsbury spoke as if to her- 
seK. I never get rehef before the darkness 
comes.” 

Your darkness came early,” smilingly 
remarked the caretaker. It was lucky that 
[ 60 ] 


A VOLUNTEER NURSE 


little scarf was there where I could get it. I 
suppose Marie left it on purpose.’^ 

dear, that scarf could have hung 
there ten years and Marie would not have 
thought of using it. I had never thought of 
it myself, but I shall not forget it again. It 
shut out the light completely. And no one 
ever massaged my pain away as you did. It 
is wonderful. But aren’t you very tired? ” 

Not to hurt. Can I do something else 
while I wait for Van? ” Yes, she could help 
dress the lady of the Shining Palace in gor- 
geous dressing gown and pale-blue slippers, and 
lend her strong, young shoulder for a support 
while they walked to the couch in the sitting- 
room. 

I’m weak, but free from pain,” Mrs. 
Kingsbury told her as she reached for the 
plump fingers. “ You have a very magnetic 
touch, my dear.” 

Yes’m.” Joy didn’t know what else to 

say. 

Will you come again when my head 
aches? I’ll be glad to pay you well.” 

Joy drew back, hurt. Mamma wouldn’t 
[ 61 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


like that/’ she said. The Shipleys like to 
be neighborly.” 

Do they? ” The invalid smiled queerly. 

I’m afraid the Kingsburys don’t know a 
great deal about that sort of thing.” 

“It’s very nice to — to learn.” Joy was 
half frightened at her own boldness, but it 
did seem such a pity to let the chance slip, 
for Van’s sake. 

“ Indeed? Well, you ought to know.” 
Again the queer smile and Joy twisted un- 
easily and looked across to the Little Yellow 
House that never had looked so dear as now. 

“ I’m glad — glad I live over there instead 
of in the Shining Palace,” she told herself 
fiercely. “ It’s awful to have to be rich and 
not know how to be neighborly.” 

Mrs. Kingsbury heard the sigh and looked 
curiously at the little pink figure. “ She’s 
cleanly and tidy,” she said to herself. “ Her 
dress is neat and her hands are really aristo- 
cratic in shape and size. Tanned, of course, 
but small. Even if the others are hopeless, 
she has possibilities.” 

“ Isn’t there something I could do? ” Joy 
[ 62 ] 


A VOLUNTEER NURSE 


turned her eyes back to her hostess. I^d 
like to, if I could. 

Aren’t you content to be idle a while? ” 
asked Mrs. Kingsbury. It seems to me you 
have done enough for one day.” 

Joy shook her head, remembering the end- 
less round of busyness in the Little Yellow 
House where Mamma was working away 
alone. 

But before she could answer. Grandfather 
put his head in the door. It was a large 
head with long, thick white hair aU over it, 
and very shaggy eyebrows under a forehead 
that looked as if all sorts of learning were 
stored up behind it. He looked rather fierce, 
for large blue glasses hid his eyes and glared 
like small-sized headlights. 

Genevieve, I want the boy as soon as he 
comes in from that ridiculous wild-goose 
chase,” he said very positively. 

Very well, father,” Mrs. Kingsbury an- 
swered, if he isn’t too tired.” 

Grandfather’s brown smoking- jacket fol- 
lowed the head. 

Why did you let him go if you expect him 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


to tire? His voice sounded quite savage, 
Joy thought. My eyes have given out and 
I want him to read to me. Not that he can 
read, but his droning is better than silence 
when one is in the midst of an important 
chapter.’’ 

Very well. Father,” said Mrs. Kingsbury 
again without looking up. 

It’s most inconvenient to be obliged to 
wait,” the old gentleman remarked, frown- 
ing, standing erect in the doorway and al- 
most filhng it. Most inconvenient,” he 
repeated. 

“ Could I do it, sir? ” asked Joy, forgetting 
her homesickness in a new chance to help. 
The blue glasses came off, while their owner 
stared. 

Who are you, if I may ask? ” 

Joy felt that, old as he was, his manners 
needed mending, but she only said pohtely: 
“ I’m Joy Shipley, over from the Little Yel- 
low House. I read aloud to my father and 
the boys often. Perhaps I’d do till Van 
comes.” 

If she reads as well as she nurses, she will 
[ 64 ] 


A VOLUNTEER NURSE 


be quite a success,*’ Mrs. Kingsbury said 
kindly, and Joy glowed with pleasure. She 
has taken excellent care of me this after- 
noon.” 

Old Mr. Atkinson considered, eying the 
visitor as if she were a new sort of curio. 

She can’t do much worse than my grand- 
son,” he mused aloud. And I dislike ex- 
ceedingly to wait. Suppose you come and 
try. Sissy.” 

The rose-bloom cheeks flamed. If there 
was one name above another that tried Joy’s 
soul, it was Sissy. But she didn’t say a word 
as she got up and followed the old gentle- 
man into an immense room lined with 
books. 

Be seated,” was the next command, and 
she perched on the edge of a green velvet 
rocker. Second volume, fifty-ninth page 
— there at your elbow. Begin at the second 
paragraph and read slowly. Put some ex- 
pression into your voice if you can. Van’s 
is dun-colored when he reads — monotonous 
enough to distract one.” 

Oh, Samuel Johnson — I know him. 

[ 65 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Papa’s very fond of him/’ said Joy, delighted 
to find an old friend. 

Second paragraph, page fifty-nine,” he 
reminded her, and she began. For a long 
time there was no sound except her own 
voice. This was a good sign if she had only 
known it, for when Van read aloud, grand- 
father grumbled nearly every step of the 
way. But Joy didn’t know it, and the si- 
lence worried her. At last she glanced 
timidly up at her listener. His glasses were 
off, his scowl was gone, and he was leaning 
contentedly back. Go on,” he told her as 
she stopped. 

She quickly obeyed, thinking of the con- 
trast between reading to him and to Papa 
Shipley. Papa always explained things as 
they went along and discussed them. It was 
this that had made his daughter an unusually 
good reader for a girl of her age. 

Van found them thus when, fresh and 
rosy, he dashed into the room some time 
later. “ You’re to go home now, Joy. Your 
Mother wants you. I’ll read. Grandfather, 
as soon as I see if Mother wants anything.” 

[ 66 ] 


A VOLUNTEER NURSE 


“You won’t read to me to-night, sir,” was 
the reply. “ Our neighbor here knows how — 
you do not. You may come again. Sissy, and 
we’ll have another bout with our old friend 
Johnson.” 

Van turned to look at her in the hall after 
the door was safely closed. “ What did you 
do to him? ” he asked roguishly. “ He gen- 
erally fires a book at me and turns me out 
bodily after I’ve been reading fifteen min- 
utes.” 

“ He said you didn’t know how; maybe 
you’d better learn,” retorted Joy. “ It must 
be hard on his books to use them that way, 
and, besides, it’s rather a good thing to be 
able to read.” 

Van chuckled — he’d learned how that 
very day from Bensie. “ You’re an all-round 
good sort, you Shipleys,” he announced as 
he escorted her to the front door. “ I’ve been 
gladder every minute to-day that you moved 
into the Little Yellow House and didn’t stay 
on the farm. But say, that farm’s a dandy.” 

Joy beamed. “ Isn’t it? We’ve had good 
times there. But we’re going^to have just as 
[ 67 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


good at the Little Yellow House — maybe 
better/^ 

I^m glad I went/’ she told her family 
later. She needed me very much and so 
did he — the old gentleman. Anyway, he 
thought he did, and that’s just as bad. But 
I’m gladdest because I found out for sure 
that Shining Palaces don’t make people one 
bit better off than Little Yellow Houses do. 
I wouldn’t trade with Van for all the money 
you could pile into one of their big rooms.” 

I guess you wouldn’t.” Mamma Ship- 
ley caught her breath at the very thought. 

Be an only child instead of one of six? I 
guess not.” 

That’s partly it,” Joy told them, slowly. 

A whole lot more of it is, that I wouldn’t 
belong to you and Pops. And besides that, 
if we were rich we wouldn’t have to work 
and help each other along and feel so happy 
because we could.” 

It wasn’t a very clear speech, but the Ship- 
leys every one understood it, and every 
single one agreed. That was a fashion the 
Shipleys had. 


[ 68 ] 


CHAPTER VI 
PLANS 


^^Joy! Joy Shipley! Where are you? 
called Ben one balmy early evening. He 
had just come from the garden back of the 
barn, where Papa was weeding and Mamma 
was watering some young plants. 

Here me,’^ answered Joy, imitating 
Dimple. 

Ben rounded the corner of the house and 
came upon his sister sitting on the top of a 
stepladder. A hammer lay beside her, she 
held an old shoe in her lap, the big shears 
were in her hand, and her mouth was full of 
small nails. 

Of all things, what are you doing? de- 
manded Ben. 

Looking at my scratches,’^ was the thick 
reply. 

Queer place to choose for that, it seems 
[ 69 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


to me. Does it take all those implements? 
and the boy perched on a convenient box. 

It seems to.^^ Joy removed the nails to 
her apron pocket. I don^t believe in doing 
things just like everybody else does.” She 
stopped to examine a long red mark on her 
plump wrist. Ouch! that hurts.” 

I should guess yes, from the looks of it. 
Want the witch-hazel to add to your collec- 
tion? Say, girl, where does the old shoe come 
in? Charm for good luck, or something? ” 

Bensie Shipley, haven’t you got any 
eyes? Some people are the stupidest! I’m 
tacking this chmbing rose to the waU where 
it belongs. Climbing roses are not supposed 
to grovel in the dirt.” 

No doubt, fair maiden, but why the 
shoe? ” persisted the boy. 

I’m cutting it in strips to tack across the 
runners. If you won’t use your eyes I’ll tell 
you that I hold the branch in place, lay a bit 
of leather across it, and tack both ends to the 
wall.” 

I see. Both ends of the branch? Or, one 
of the branch and one of the leather? ” 

[170] 


PLANS 


“^Look here, Bensie, you know more than 
you pretend to. But the easiest way to learn 
a thing is to do it. I brought that box around 
here on purpose for you to stand on if you 
happened along.’’ 

Unlucky happen.” Ben pretended to 
pout. I came to talk. I want to consult 
you about a very important secret.” 

Joy bounced gleefully. Oh, goody! I love 
secrets. But you can be working at the 
same time. Let’s get this thicket up where 
it belongs and then our consciences will be 
easy.” 

“ Let ’em grovel for all of me.” Ben sat 
still. My conscience is already easy, thank 
you.” 

“ It’s calloused, as your hands got when 
you spaded the flowerbeds. Come on, Bensie 
— there’s a love. Get the other hammer. 
I’ll divide my shoe.” 

Two minutes later, as they tacked, the 
secret began to be disclosed. We’re going 
for the pigeons to-morrow,” said Ben. 

His sister looked disappointed. That’s 
no secret. I knew that before,” she declared. 

[ 71 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Yes, but you don’t know the rest of it. 
Joy, do you remember what Mamma said 
when she finished up the parlor after we 
moved in here? ” 

Let me see.” Joy considered. “ She 
said it looked nice and she’d be satisfied if 
she had just one new rocker. Something 
like that, wasn’t it? ” 

Yes, and she said she’d always wanted a 
certain kind — ” 

“0, yes, I know. Pops said she should 
have it, then, and she wouldn’t because we 
couldn’t afford it. She said it took all Papa 
could earn to feed and clothe us and give 
us things we had to have, and fine rocking- 
chairs could wait.” 

Yes, that’s it. But all the same, Joy, 
she ought to have it. There’s nothing too 
good for her.” 

“ So there isn’t, Bensie. But what can we 
do about it? ” 

That’s the secret. The pigeons are going 
to help.” 

Now don’t you go to counting on foolish- 
ness or you’ll get disappointed. I’d like to 
[ 72 ] 


PLANS 


buy her gorgeous things as well as anybody, 
but I believe in common sense, Bensie/’ 

You don’t say! Well, grandmother, per- 
haps you won’t be so superior when you 
know that Pops thinks we can do it.” Ben 
hammered his thumb in his earnestness and 
stopped to pet it a while. 

You told him, did you? ” asked Joy, too 
busy to notice the accident. 

No, only that it was something we 
wanted to do by November — her birthday, 
you know. I’m going to spend my ten dol- 
lars for the pigeons.” 

You goose, why don’t you buy the rocker 
and be done with it? You could get a nice 
one for ten dollars. You remind me of what 
old Mrs. Grimes used to say — going all the 
way round Robin Hood’s barn to come in at 
the back door.” 

“ That’s just like you women. You never 
understand business.” Ben climbed back to 
his hammering. “ If I should spend my 
money that way, the money’d be gone and 
I’d have only the chair to show for it. 
Mamma wouldn’t like that and you know it. 

[ 73 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


But if I buy pigeons, they^ll earn the money 
and Vll still have my original investment — 
the equivalent of my cash/^ 

Listen to the big words/ ^ Joy told a 
brambly branch. How^s all this going to be 
done? Squabs? 

Yes, ma^am. They’re very expensive 
to the one that buys ’em, but cost little to 
raise.” 

You say Pops thinks you can? ” 

Sure he does. He’s been looking into the 
thing and so have I, and I tell you there’s 
money in the business.” 

Joy stopped to think the matter over. 
Anything that Papa Shipley approved of was 
certain sure to be all right. Her tone changed. 
“ I wish I could help,” she said wistfully. 

Ben reached over to pat the curly head. 

You just shall, sister,” he promised. If 
you’ll dress the squabs for sale. I’ll pay you 
for it.” 

Joy shook her head. Now that’s silly, 
Bensie. If the hotel men would pay you 
thirty-five cents for your squabs and then 
pay me for dressing them, that would be 
[ 74 ] 


PLANS 


something else. But if the thirty-five cents 
includes everything, how would I be helping 
by taking part of it away from you? It^s 
awfully good of you, dear, and I love you for 
wanting to divvy up, but that^s no go.’’ 

That’s so,” agreed Ben slowly. “ Let’s 
see — what else? You make dandy ginger 
cakes, Joy, and the bakers charge five cents 
for six the size of yours. Bert and I bought 
a nickel’s worth downtown last week, and 
they were gone in no time.” 

“ Yes, I could do that. But, my patience, 
Bensie, who’d buy ’em? We don’t know 
anybody near by, and, anyway, Schuyler 
Street isn’t the ginger cooky kind after you 
pass the Little Yellow House.” 

Wouldn’t Mamrna — of course not. You 
wouldn’t let her, would you? ” 

Pay for cookies made out of her own stuff 
and baked in her own oven? Not so you 
could notice it, Bensie.” Joy laughed, then 
glanced across at her brother. Don’t look 
so doleful, sonny. You attend to your squab- 
bles and I’ll think of some way. I’m going 
to pay for a piece of that chair if it’s only one 
[ 75 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


rocker. Shoot that long fellow over this 
way — my, but he^s a scratcher. Is your 
pigeon house all finished? 

^^Just about. It^s going to be all-round 
interesting.’^ 

And so it proved. The gentle homers who 
came to five in their new quarters next day 
soon became used to their owners and con- 
tented with their home. In the course of 
time several pairs of squabs dehghted the 
Shipleys, from Papa to Dimple, and the only 
danger was that such precious pets could 
never be sold. But Ben steeled his heart 
against sentiment. Those baby pigeons were 
hatched to be eaten; therefore, eaten they 
should be. 

Joy said no more about her own anxiety to 
earn some money. She was very deter- 
mined; but think and plan as she would, 
there seemed no way open to her. Things 
went on in their usual routine. To be sure, 
the family was thrown into a little fiutter of 
excitement when, on two occasions, Mrs. 
Kingsbury sent for Joy to rub her headache 
away, and both times she had succeeded in 
[ 76 ] 


PLANS 


doing so. Mamma Shipley explained to her 
that this was because her own freedom from 
nervousness and her cool, quiet touch soothed 
the patient and calmed her nerves so she 
could sleep and get the rest she needed. Then 
nature could cure the pain. 

Joy was pleased to do this for Van’s 
mother and was glad that nothing more had 
been said about pay. She didn’t want to 
sell her neighborliness,” even to buy 
Mamma’s rocker. True, Mrs. Kingsbury 
had sent home with her once a basket of 
choice fruit and the other time a plate 
of delicious cake. “ For your Mother, Joy,” 
she explained. “ Thank her for lending me 
her helper.” To Joy this seemed only proper 
— they had always exchanged such httle 
courtesies with their neighbors. And if Mrs. 
Kingsbury knew how lovely Mamma was 
she’d be glad to show her attentions. 

But it began to seem doubtful if Mrs. 
Kingsbury was ever to know anything about 
them, for the acquaintance progressed very 
slowly. Van went away for a month after 
his illness, which left him with a slight cough. 

[ 77 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Billy’s dreams of the tennis court were not 
coming true and seemed no more likely to 
than when he first knew Schuyler Street. 

I shall keep right on hoping to find some 
way to help on the chair/’ Joy told herself as 
she dusted the shabby best parlor rocker, 
one morning. If I keep my eyee wide open, 
my chance will surely come sooner or later.” 

It was sooner — very soon indeed, for the 
bell rang loud and long that minute, and the 
chance ” stood outside. It was really old 
Mr. Atkinson, if you’ll believe it. Joy 
opened the door and almost forgot to ask him 
in, in her surprise and embarrassment. He 
looked just as fierce as ever — not in the 
least as if he’d come to pay a friendly 
call. 

^^Why didn’t you come again. Sissy, as I 
told you to? ” he asked in his big bass voice, 
which was as big and as bass as if his hair 
had been jet-black instead of snow-white. 

“I — I didn’t know you wanted me,” 
stammered out Joy. 

If I hadn’t I shouldn’t have asked you,” 
she was told very firmly. '' I wish you to 
[ 78 ] 


PLANS 


come now and read to me — yes, Sissy, this 
morning/’ 

I’ll ask Mamma to come in and see you.” 
Joy was backing toward the door, but her 
visitor arose hastily. 

“ No need of that. Don’t — er — disturb 
her by any means. I’ll look for you in, say, 
ten minutes. 

If I can, sir,” she said as she opened the 
door for him. 

I suppose you should go,” Mrs. Shipley 
decided after considering the matter. We’ll 
talk it over with Papa to-night and do as he 
says in the future. It seems discourteous to 
refuse an old gentleman. I presume he’s 
lonely, poor soul.” 

It was about fifteen minutes later when 
the little figure appeared at the study door. 
This time it was dressed in white with a 
white bonnet on the black curls and a spray 
of red honeysuckle pinned on its breast. But 
the eyes under the shaggy brows were hidden 
behind their blue glasses, so no one could 
have told whether they softened at sight of 
the pretty picture. “ Sit down. Sissy,” he 
[ 79 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


said. Now before you begin, let’s have an 
understanding. I believe in a business basis 
for every bargain.” 

“ Yes, sir,” said Joy. 

I want you an hour a day — say two 
o’clock to three — to read aloud to me. My 
eyes tire by two o’clock. I will pay you one 
dollar a week, but you are, of course, to 
come alone — no noisy boys or squalhng 
babies following after. Now that’s settled, 
let’s go to work. Volume four, page eighty- 
six, third paragraph.” 

Joy’s cheeks were very red as she said: 
“ Excuse me, sir, but I don’t think my mother 
would want you to pay me. She likes us to 
be accommodating.” 

“ Your mother must be an extremely 
selfish woman. Sissy.” 

The dreadful words were almost drowned 
as Mr. Atkinson tapped with his cane on the 
floor to emphasize what he said. Joy thought 
perhaps she hadn’t heard aright. Sir? ” 
she gasped. 

An exceedingly selfish woman, I said. It’s 
a poor rule that won’t work both ways. Sissy.” 

[801 


PLANS 


“ I’m pretty certain I don’t understand. 
My mother is the very unselfishest woman in 
all this world. My father says so, and, any- 
way, we all know it.” 

Then she will not deny me the use of 
your voice an hour a day. If I can’t pay 
for it, I won’t have it. Why should I be 
indebted to you for kindness more than you 
to me? It’s a business transaction or it’s 
nothing at all. One dollar a week till further 
notice.” 

Joy considered. Looked at that way, it 
seemed as if there were two sides to the ques- 
tion. She’d have to have a httle more time 
to think about it. She picked up the hfe 
of Samuel Johnson and opened to page eighty- 
six. Then she hesitated. 

Mr. Atkinson,” she said slowly, if you’d 
please just call me Joy, I’d be ever so much 
obhged. It’s really shorter than Sissy, and 
so it’s easier to say. Anyway, it’s my name.” 

A poor excuse for a name, if you will per- 
mit me to express an opinion. There’s no 
such thing as joy in this world — at all events, 
if there is I’ve never made its acquaintance,” 
[ 81 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


The girl looked up with quick sympathy 
into the bitter old face. It^s too bad if she 
hasnT come to the Shining Palace/’ she said 
whimsically. She lives with us in the Little 
Yellow House. I think that must be why 
I’m her namesake. Papa and Mamma have 
always known her.” 

Most folks have lives of ups and downs. 
I suppose theirs is an exception — all ups and 
no downs? ” 

Joy felt the sarcasm and flushed. She re- 
membered in a flash the plain furniture, the 
simple garments, the many makeshifts for 
economy’s sake, in her own home. But after 
the sudden thought, she lifted her head 
proudly. 

We haven’t so very much money, if that 
is what you mean, sir. But my mother says 
that even with heaps of money we might 
miss some of the things that are more im- 
portant. And my father thinks so, too. So 
we are very happy — we truly are.” 

Third paragraph. Sis — Joy.” If the last 
word sounded more like an explosion than a 
proper name, that couldn’t be helped. Any- 
[ 82 ] 


PLANS 


way, it was a start in the right direction, and 
Joy, looking demurely at the page, felt her 
lips twitch in a little smile. At least she 
wouldn’t be Sissy any more, and — oh, the 
dollars there would be for Mamma Shipley’s 
chair! 

The problem was really solved then and 
there as she read the words the old man en- 
joyed. As for him, the blue glasses were off 
and the deep-set eyes were fixed on a sweet 
picture in the green velvet chair. If they 
softened as they looked, Joy didn’t know it. 
Her gaze was fixed on the life of Samuel 
Johnson. 


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CHAPTER VII 

VAN MAKES A RESOLUTION 

The summer flew by as summers have a 
way of doing for busy people. The Little 
Yellow House looked very much like what 
Van had once called it — a big bird-house. 
For among its vines and climbing roses many 
wild birds had their nests, and their cheerful 
chirp and twitter blended with happy child- 
voices all the summer days. The garden 
back of the barn did wonders in the way of 
fresh vegetables, and the pigeons were thriv- 
ing and content. 

To Van, looking on, it seemed like Para- 
dise all over again, and he longed to be on 
the other side of the hedge, playing croquet 
with Joy or ball with the Bees. Anything, 
just to be there in the happy bustle that 
never ceased. 

But Van played fair, and when Mother 
forbade him asking the boy Shipleys onto his 
[ 85 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


side of the hedge, when he was not to be al- 
lowed to share his games or pastimes with 
them, he would not accept their invitation to 

come over/’ 

“ Joy is polite and well-mannered,” Mrs. 
Kingsbury said, but I can’t be annoyed by 
those boys. People of that class rarely know 
their places. Van.” 

What class? ” the boy asked, a note of 
impatience in his voice. They are just as 
nice as we are, every bit.” 

Then Mother sighed and told him not to 
be impertinent, and Grandfather added his 
protest against any familiarity. Father 
laughed when he heard about it and said: 

What’s the use of being so particular? Let 
him go, Genevieve, and let the other young- 
sters come.” But Genevieve ” thought 
otherwise. 

Even Joy’s visits were little consolation, 
for she came and went strictly by the clock. 
For some time her acquaintance with Grand- 
father seemed to progress no farther than the 
beginning, for the few quaint little remarks 
she offered were not encouraged. Mrs. 

[ 86 ] 


VAN MAKES A RESOLUTION 


Kingsbury’s indifference to the dear family 
at home touched Joy’s pride and kept her 
rather silent when that lady sometimes called 
her into the sitting-room. Altogether, Van’s 
hopes of happy times with friends his own 
age were slowly dying till the measles hap- 
pened. Dimple started and then Van fol- 
lowed, and Dr. James looked after them 
both. The other Shipleys had had their 
share earlier in life. 

Long after Dimple was rollicking and 
frolicking out of doors again. Van was 
perched in his bay window easy-chair, look- 
ing wistfully across at his neighbors. 

Mrs. Kingsbury followed Dr. James to the 
door one morning. 

I am anxious about Van Rensselaer,” she 
told him. '' He ought to be out again by 
now.” 

So he ought, Mrs. Kingsbury, but he has 
no incentive to go. Doesn’t enjoy motoring, 
he tells me.” 

Not alone, and I am too nervous to go 
often.” 

How about those young folks next door? ” 
[ 87 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


was the next question. The doctor had kept 
his eyes wide open. “ They would make 
excellent company for him.’’ 

Those Shipleys? ” 

The same. They are fine people, let me 
assure you, and I have seldom seen those 
children equaled for all-around, genuine 
worth, ma’am.” 

I have never allowed my son to associate 
with people of that class.” There it was 
again, and the doctor shrugged his shoulders. 

“ More’s the pity,” he said bluntly. It’s 
a ^ class ’ that is well worth cultivating. As 
Van’s physician, I prescribe a big dose of 
Shipley tonic, taken several times a day out 
of doors when the weather is fine. I’m 
serious in saying it’s important. The boy 
needs just what he will get over there.” 

There was a great deal more said, back 
and forth, and the doctor finally left in a 
very bad humor, but the end of it was, he 
had his way. Even Grandfather stopped 
blustering when he knew Van’s health was 
in danger, and as for Father, he settled the 
matter once for all. You and they are to 
[ 88 ] 


VAN MAKES A RESOLUTION 


go and come as you please, Van,’’ he said 
heartily. Don’t worry your mother, and 
keep your racket away from Grandfather, 
but outside of that, go the limit and let them 
help you, my boy.” 

It worked like a charm, and nobody really 
had any reason to find fault. For the Ship- 
leys stayed at home most of the time, and 
when they did return Van’s visits it was apt 
to be the tennis court that called them, and 
that was quite away from the house. But 
Van — well, he came as near living at the 
Little Yellow House as one could do who 
didn’t stay there all the time. There wasn’t 
a nook of that barn nor a corner of the pigeon 
house that he was not famihar with. Dick 
and Dolly nosed his pockets for apples and 
sugar whenever he came by. Star expected 
carrots as a matter of course. He gathered 
eggs, he fed the hens, he taught Yankee 
Doodle tricks — or tried to, which was as 
interesting to him as if he had succeeded, 
and perhaps more so to the dog. He and 
Papa Shipley were great cronies, while as for 
Mamma Shipley, he adored her. 

[ 89 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


He would not stop for meals because he 
didn’t feel free to invite his companions to 
his own table. But there were never such 
currant buns or ginger poundcakes as those 
that found their way to his pockets every 
day. With it all his cheeks grew rosy, his 
hands tanned and muscles hardened, and 
Father looked on and encouraged the inno- 
cent friendships with all his might. 

All this time Joy was regular in her atten- 
dance on Grandfather, whose windows were 
still kept shaded toward the east to shut out 
the sight of the Little Yellow House and its 
occupants. For the most part Joy didn’t 
care. The dollars were piling up for a per- 
fectly gorgeous birthday celebration and she 
could afford to be patient. Not only that, 
but the reading was doing her good, for 
grandfather cared for no flimsy tales, so she 
plodded her way through essays and history, 
literature and exploration, learning useful 
facts with every passing day. Crusty and 
selfish as the old gentleman seemed, he was 
really doing as much for the little maiden as 
she did for him, and of a more lasting benefit. 

[ 90 ] 


VAN MAKES A RESOLUTION 


Though as to that, there were two sides to 
the question. For Joy’s simple girlish ways, 
her love and loyalty for the dear home 
people, her faith in God and desire to serve 
him, these gradually made an impression she 
did not suspect. Slowly his gruffness soft- 
ened. Sometimes the terrifying eyes grew 
more gentle, and once — will Joy ever forget 
it? — he told her to close the book at the 
end of forty-five minutes and talk to him 
about her folks.” 

Before they realized it, schooltime had 
come and the troop must start out into the 
big, busy city and begin getting ready for 
life. And then it was October and the 
grapes were ripe on the thicket of vine that 
covered the side fence. Then chrysanthe- 
mums began to show color and the maples 
turned scarlet. Before you could beheve it, 
November arrived and the birthday was close 
at hand. 

Such planning as it took! It had to be 
done when Mamma Shipley was out, and this 
happened so seldom that the children had to 
watch their chance. She did have to go 
[ 91 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


shopping once in a while, for Dandy and the 

Bees would wear holes in their shoes, 
and even the girls needed things sometimes. 
So when on November first she went down- 
town, the solemn meeting was held. Van 
was there, but they couldn’t stop for that, 
because that was apt to be the case most any 
time. 

Ben brought out his wallet and Joy her 
purse, Billy his savings bank and Bert his 
barrel. Dandy had a fat china pig, while 
Dimple, who didn’t know in the least what 
it was all about, produced a penny from her 
mite of a Sunday-school pocketbook. “ Bless 
her! Take it, Bensie. We can slip it back 
afterward — she doesn’t know any better,” 
whispered Joy. 

It really surprised themselves when the 
large sum was counted. '' It’ll get her a 
corker,” said Ben, impressively. 

Corker what? ” asked Van. 

“ Rocker for the parlor. She wants it a 
lot.” Joy looked up from a second careful 
counting of the treasure. ‘^We can get the 
very one I hoped we could. I saw it last 


VAN MAKES A RESOLUTION 


week down at Dennett and Bond’s. It’s got 
a dear little footstool that’s extra. I wish 
we could get it too, but we can’t unless we 
take a cheaper rocker, and we won’t do that.” 

^^Oh, I don’t know,” said Billy. ^^The 
footstool would set it off, sort of elegant.” 

So it would, Billy, but she can get along 
without that, and I believe she’d rather have 
the better chair while we are about it.” 

We can buy her the footstool next year,” 
suggested Bert. 

That would be lovely. It’s the dearest — 
all polished little legs and brown leather top.” 

Well, Joy, you and I will go after school 
to-morrow and order the thing up,” said 
Ben, importantly. We can hide it in the 
barn till the time comes.” 

Yes, and get it all hay seedy and dusty? ” 
Joy’s question was indignant. No, we’ll 
order it sent up Friday evening after school, 
and we’ll watch for the wagon and smuggle 
it up to my room till morning. She’s always 
busy in the kitchen getting supper, then, and 
she won’t see a thing. Oh, goody! I can 
hardly wait! ” 


[ 93 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


^^Doody! Hardly ^ait! ’’ echoed Dimple, 
dancing with joy because everybody else 
looked happy. 

I shall bake my loveliest ginger cakes, 
planned Joy. 

“ Pops said he^d see that there was the 
finest lemonade ever,^^ promised Bert. 

You see,” and Joy turned to Van, 
Papa doesn^t know a word about the chair. 
It^s a surprise for him as well as her. He 
doesn^t know we could ever manage all this, 
and he thinks the birthday isn’t a thing but 
ginger cakes and lemonade.” And Joy giggled 
gleefully. 

Doesn’t he know you have the money? ” 
Van wanted to know. 

Not how much we have. He knows we 
are saving, but he thinks it is for ourselves.” 
Joy spoke in a happy undertone as if Papa 
might hear. He thinks I’m trying for a 
kodak and the boys for sleds and skates. 
Just as if — ” And she sniffed amusedly. 

Just as if,” Billy took it up, as if we’d 
spend all this on ourselves when our mother 
wants something! ” 


[ 94 ] 


VAN MAKES A RESOLUTION 


Guess not/^ finished Dandy, valiantly. 

Van didn’t say much. The birthdays he 
was used to meant gifts, an extra course at 
dinner, and a highly ornamented cake. But 
this intimate planning, this happy self- 
denial, was something quite new. His throat 
felt queer and choked and he got up and 
reached for his cap. 

I must go,” he said. 

“ Well, you save Saturday afternoon for us. 
Van. You’ve got to come to Mamma’s 
party,” Joy told him. 

Pops is going to stay home and fix up the 
kitchen sink like she wants it,” Bert volun- 
teered. 

We’ll have more fun than enough,” added 
Billy, and we want you, sure. Van.” 

I — I’ll come, and thank you, no end.” 

The boy drew his cap over his eyes as he 
went up the street toward home. A new 
view of things had come before him. 

I’ve been feeling sorry for myseK because 
I didn’t have a home like the Little Yellow 
House,” he murmured half aloud. I’ve 
been wanting my folks to do things to make 
[ 95 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


me happy, but I never thought about it the 
other way/^ He climbed the stone steps 
slowly. They Ve been planning for half a 
year to give their mother a surprise. I never 
planned for mine, not half a minute.’^ 

Mrs. Kingsbury was alone when Van went 
into the room. Her head lay wearily back on 
its cushions and her eyes were heavy. 

Sick, Mother? he asked, laying his 
fingers on her forehead in unusual tender- 
ness. 

No, Van, but very tired and nervous. I 
couldnT sleep last night. How cool and nice 
your hand feels. 

Poor mother,” he said softly and bent to 
kiss her. 

Tears came to her eyes. My boy — my 
darling,” she whispered. Again Van felt the 
queer choke. Mamma Shipley often called 
her children darhng — but then they deserved 
it, and he — Van — didiiT. Perhaps that 
was why Mother hadn’t said such a thing for 
such a long, long time. He stood behind his 
mother’s chair and laid his fingers on her 
temples as he had seen Joy do one day. 

[ 96 ] 


VAN MAKES A RESOLUTION 


Then gently he drew them down and back 
till he reached the throbbing veins on her 
neck. Then up again and down — gently, 
quietly, over and over, his heart swelling with 
new love for this suffering mother as he saw 
her nervous hands, so white and frail, lie 
quiet in her lap. I never thought of her 
side of it — only of mine,’^ he told himself 
more than once. “ Never of hers — only of 
mine.’’ The moments shpped away. Van 
heard Mrs. Shipley calling, Come in, dar- 
ling! Come to Mamma.” He smiled at the 
pet name — the one Mother had used for him. 
He bent over and looked at her; she was fast 
asleep. 

He sat down near her, moving carefully so 
as not to wake her. She won’t have a birth- 
day till next summer,” he remembered. 

But there’ll be Christmas soon. I’ll plan 
something she’ll like — she and Dad. See if 
I don’t. Van Kingsbury! ” 

He sat there till she awoke, looking so 
pleased and bright. 

It has done me worlds of good. That 
nap was just what I needed, but I couldn’t 
[ 97 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


get to sleep. How did you happen to think 
of it, Van? 

The boy patted her fingers, which twined 
themselves around his brown hand. I 
didnT think of it — not just that way,^’ he 
said. It sort of happened. But 1^11 think 
of it next time. Mother, dear.^’ 

“ My boy, my darling,’^ she said again, 
as Van, a new thoughtfulness in his face, 
stooped and kissed her. 


[ 98 ] 


CHAPTER VIII 


GRANDFATHER^S SHUTTERS ARE 
OPENED 

IPs queer how plans can change in a very 
short time. One day you are certain sure 
that something is going to happen and the 
next day you find out that it isnT, at all. 
From the afternoon that Mamma went down 
town and the children thought out every 
detail of the celebration, it looked as if noth- 
ing could possibly occur to spoil the fun. 
Well, to be sure the fun wasnT really spoiled, 
but it came very, very near being — nearer 
than anybody liked to remember. And the 
two days before the birthday were not joy- 
ful in the least. 

This is the way it came about. Auburn, 
the best-laying hen in the flock, would get 
out of the chicken yard. Nobody knew how 
she managed to do it so often, for Bert kept 
the fence in good order and she was thought 
[ 99 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


too heavy to fly over. But out she got and 
stole her nests, and then such hunts as they 
did have to And those eggs. 

Auburn was a Rhode Island Red hen, and 
Ben dubbed her Reddy on first sight. 
But Joy felt that she deserved a better title, 
so renamed her Auburn. True, even then 
Ben called her Auby,’^ but she didn’t seem 
to mind. 

The birthday gingercakes were to be made 
with Auburn’s eggs. On that point Joy was 
decided. No others were so big and full and 
Arm, and no others would do for Mamma’s 
celebration., As usual, Auby was out, and as 
the boys were playing ball with Van on the 
side lot, Joy chmbed into the loft to hunt the 
eggs. She had often climbed the little nar- 
row stairs, but somehow to-day her foot 
slipped just as she reached the top and down 
she went in a heap clear to the bottom. 

Dandy heard the noise and screamed — 
and then, of all the commotion! The Ship- 
leys and Van flew to the barn, and in less 
time than it takes to tell it Joy was on the 
dining-room couch with cushions around her, 
[ 100 ] 


GRANDFATHER^S SHUTTERS ARE OPENED 

ammonia and arnica and smelling salts com- 
ing from every direction. But for the first 
time in her life Joy paid no attention to her 
family. Her eyes were fast shut and her 
face was as white as snowflakes. Mamma 
chafed and rubbed and talked, but Joy didn’t 
respond and finally Mamma looked up with a 
face as white as her girlie’s. Bensie, go 
for your father and a doctor, as quick as 
you can fly.” 

Let me ’phone for them, Mrs. Shipley. 
I’ll have ’em here in no time,” and Van hur- 
ried away, sobbing as he went — big boy 
though he was. For once he forgot Mother’s 
nerves and Grandfather’s quiet, and he burst 
in upon them almost as Billy Shipley might 
have done. They looked up, but the look 
on his face stopped their reproof. 

I’ll tell you afterward — let me ’phone 
first. It’s Joy — I’m afraid she’s dead. Cen- 
tral, Home 240, quick! ” 

Did they wait to hear the rest? No, in- 
deed. Joy had made a warmer spot for her- 
self in those hearts than anybody had 
dreamed till that moment. Grandfather 
[ 101 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


started bareheaded, but Mother did remem- 
ber his hat, though she herself had only a 
thin shawl over her beautiful gown. Marie 
wrung her hands and cried and Godfrey 
blew his nose like a trumpet and looked as 
if he was on the point of joining the proces- 
sion to the Little Yellow House. 

Into the plain little room they went, not 
even stopping to ring, and one instant later 
Mrs. Kingsbury had her arms around 
Mamma Shipley and they were both crying * 
together. For the face on the cushions was 
still as white as snowflakes and the eyes had 
not opened. Grandfather thumped on the 
floor with his cane so fiercely it made them 
all jump. 

What is being done for the child? ” 
he demanded. ^^Do something — do some- 
thing.^' 

He’s right. Let me go to her.” Mamma 
Shipley straightened up bravely and wiped 
her eyes. The ammonia again, Bensie. 
Don’t cry, darlings. Sister will be better 
soon — Oh, she will, she will.” Mamma’s 
tears were falling again and the hands 
[ 102 ] 


GRANDFATHER^S SHUTTERS ARE OPENED 

trembled as they bathed the purple lump on 
Joy’s temple. 

Give her air!” thundered Mr. Atkinson. 

Every one of you get out of here except her 
mother and me. Genevieve, can’t you see 
that her bed’s got ready? She isn’t com- 
fortable on this thing. Van Rensselaer, call 
up the doctor again. There is no sense in 
this delay.” 

But there really was no delay at all, for 
even as he said the words the big auto puffed 
to the gate and stopped. Three minutes 
later a taxi puffed to the gate and stopped. 
Think of Papa Shipley riding in a taxi! 

For the next hour there wasn’t a thought 
in that house but Joy. Papa carried her to 
her room and he and Mamma and the doctor 
stayed with her. Mrs. Kingsbury trailed 
around the kitchen in her fine gown, fixing 
fires and boiling water, not forgetting to no- 
tice how spotless everything was, and orderly. 

Grandfather gave orders right and left, 
like a commander-in-chief, with Dimple — 
the squalling baby ” — nestled in his lap, 
her sunny curls against his breast and his arm 
[ 103 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


tight about her. You boys go do your 
work!^’ he roared at last, tapping again with 
his cane. Youll be better off busy.’’ 

Mrs. Kingsbury turned to him. Father, 
they can’t work till they know about our 
little girl,” she pleaded. Could you. 
Father? Come here, you poor, dear lad- 
dies.” 

Would anybody have expected it of Mrs. 
Kingsbury? Down she sat on the couch, 
took Dandy on her lap, drew Bert to her on 
one side and Billy on the other. “ Now, Ben- 
sie, you get a stool and sit here in front. We 
all love her and we’ll wait together for the 
good news that is sure to come — soon now, 
Bensie, soon.” 

Don’t start them by sniffling yourself,” 
scolded Grandfather, wiping his own eyes 
shamelessly. “ Of course it will be good 
news.” 

And it was. Papa Shipley came creeping 
downstairs to tell them just as soon as there 
was anything to tell. She is conscious,” 
he said, trying to speak quietly, though he 
might almost as well have blown a trumpet 
[104] 


GRANDFATHER^S SHUTTERS ARE OPENED 

for all the success he made of it. There are 
no serious injuries. It was the concussion 
that knocked her out. Doctor says we must 
keep her quiet for a day or two, but she’ll 
pull through, all right. My children, shall 
we thank the Lord? ” Right where he stood, 
he lifted his hands and poured out a prayer 
of thanksgiving while his boys sobbed softly 
and Mrs. Kingsbury sat with her arms about 
them all. Grandfather bowed his head on 
Dimple’s curls and said aloud and heartily. 

Amen.” 

Of course. Mamma didn’t leave Joy any 
more that night, and what Httle time Papa 
spent away from her he hardly knew what he 
was doing. Grandfather looked about on 
the httle flock and nodded at Genevieve. 

We’ll take them all home for the eve- 
ning,” he said. Van brightened — poor Van, 
who had sat alone in a dark corner feeling as 
if the sun would never shine again. 

“ No, father, they wouldn’t want to leave 
home to-night.” Mrs. Kingsbury knew boys, 
after all, better than some people had sup- 
posed. You can go home now and rest 
[105] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


after all this excitement. 1^11 stay. Lay the 
baby here. Youll be tired out.’^ 

“Who said I needed rest? You needn^t 
fix a bed for this child, I prefer to hold her. 
She’d likely wake up and be cross if I moved 
her.” Think of Grandfather trying to hide 
behind an excuse as flimsy as that! “ Van, 
you’d better get over to your lessons, sir. 
I’ll stay and see your mother home.” 

Van’s mother looked at the boyish faces, 
still strained and anxious, missing the three 
who made up life for them, and her heart 
overfiowed with love and pity. “ We’ll all 
stay and have a good time together,” she de- 
cided. “ Van, dear, run over and ’phone to 
father about it and tell Ann to — to — why, 
of course, to send dinner over here. Godfrey 
and Dick can bring it. Now no more dole- 
fuls, laddies. Sister’s going to be all right 
again, and we are all happy.” 

It was simply wonderful, even to the tray 
that went upstairs with everything on it that 
heart could wish. Papa and Mamma ate 
their supper in Joy’s room and fed her the 
milk that was all she might have to-night. 

[ 106 ] 


grandfather’s shutters are opened 

Downstairs — 0, such a jubilee as it was! 
Mrs. Kingsbury sat at the head of the table 
and Grandfather at its foot. Godfrey came 
and went, Marie flitted in and out, and even 
Ann looked in at the back door to ask how 
the little lady was cornin’ on.” The chil- 
dren behaved like cherubs, and Dimple, so 
far from being a squalling baby, never cried 
one whimper, but ate as daintily as a rich 
man’s child might have done. 

We boys will clear things up — we know 
how, all right,” said Ben, afterward. We 
thank you heaps for all your kindness, Mrs. 
Kingsbury and Mr. Atkinson, and we won’t 
forget it. I hope it won’t make either of you 
sick.” 

Well, it just won’t,” Mrs. Kingsbury as- 
sured him. I haven’t felt as well for a 
month. We will go, laddies, now that 
Mamma has sent for Dimple and Dandy. 
Get your lessons and go to bed like dear 
sensible boys, and if Joy needs us in the 
night, just you let us know, Bensie. Come, 
Van.” 

They are lovely people,” said Mrs. Kings- 
[ 107 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


bury, as they walked across. I don^t 
wonder you like to go there, Van. I hope 
they^U come soon to see you — us. Don’t 
you. Father? ” 

H-um,” said Mr. Atkinson. “ They’ll do 
very well.” But the very next morning his 
east shutters were flung wide open and they 
haven’t been closed since. 

It’s true the birthday gingercakes didn’t 
get made. But then, who cared? Wasn’t 
there a perfectly gorgeous cake with fancy 
icing and even candles? Van brought it over 
himself, with his mother’s love, mind you. 
She didn’t stop at saying compliments.” 
There were two dozen carnations from 
Grandfather — half for the birthday lady 
and half for Joy. And right in front of the 
beautiful chair that made Mamma so happy 
she laughed and cried together was the 
very footstool the children had sighed for, 
its polished legs and brown leather top, all 
complete, and a little card tied on that said, 
^ With much love from your other boy. Van.” 

Papa stayed home all afternoon and fixed 
the sink for his birthday gift. And there 
[ 108 ] 


GRANDFATHER^S SHUTTERS ARE OPENED 

were the loveliest stuffed eggs for supper, 
nearly all of them Auby^s. They found a 
nest full, in the hayloft. Shell not play 
hookey again,’^ Bert promised his sister. 

IVe clipped one wing so she canl fly over, 
and flxed the fence so she canl crawl under.^^ 
It was a beautiful birthday, after all. To 
be sure, Joy could only he on the couch, still 
pale and weak and still with the purple spot 
on her temple. But she declared she wasnT 
sick a bit and was too happy for words, 

Mr. and Mrs. Kingsbury came to caU that 
evening, and of course Grandfather Atkin- 
son. But, then, he^d been over hah a dozen 
times in the past forty-eight hours, so the 
Little Yellow House was getting used to him. 
He kept his visits up too, all the winter, unless 
the weather was very bad. For after he 
found that Papa Shipley knew and loved his 
favorite books and could talk about them 
intelHgently, it seemed as if he couldnT 
stay away. A hedge gate was hung before 
Christmas and both families made use of it — 
there were so many consultations between 
Van and the Bees! 


[ 109 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


However, for the young Shipleys, play had 
to be pushed far into the background. The 
city schools were much more exacting than the 
country one had been and not a Shipley 
wanted to stay at the foot of the class. Van 
was a help in many ways, being more than 
willing to impart his larger knowledge of 
modes and methods. 

So the busy months flew by, holiday frolics 
slipping in now and then, when Christmas 
came and New Year, Valentine^s Day and 
Washington's Birthday. And before they knew 
it the snows had ceased, soft winds began to 
blow and buds to swell. 

At last Ben came in one evening from a 
long walk, with a tiny bunch of violets he 
had surprised in a sheltered nook. Joy was 
standing at the window and called to her 
brother. 

Come here, Bensie, and look. Now isnT 
that a Shining Palace? she asked. The big 
house stood out against the clear, twilight 
sky, every window illumined with soft, white 
light — even Grandfather^s, where the shut- 
ters were not closed. 


[ 110 ] 


GRANDFATHER S SHUTTERS ARE OPENED 


I wouldn^t have us Shipleys live any place 
else in this world, except next to the Shining 
Palace and in the Little Yellow House! 
And Bensie agreed. 


Ill ] 



CHAPTER IX 
VACATION 


School is out, hooray! hooray! 

Good-bye, dear teachers, good-bye,’’chanted 
Bensie, tossing his cap in the air by way of 
showing his joy. Billy gathered up the re- 
frain and Bert joined in, tiU by the time 
they reached the back porch, Godfrey was 
looking out of the dining-room windows next 
door and chuckling. The boys lined up on 
the step and kept on while Van — never far 
out of hearing — marched through the hedge 
gate, keeping step to the music. Joy ap- 
peared in the door, tying on her home 
hair-ribbons ’’ as she said, ArenT you boys 
ashamed of yourselves? Just think how you’d 
feel if you hadn’t any school to go to like 
the Hottentots and such people.” 

Happy Hottentots,” sighed Bert ro- 
guishly. No school and no starched col- 
lars. Who wouldn’t be a heathen? ” 

[ 113 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


You’re glad yourself, Joy. Don’t play 
grandma to the bunch but come on out and 
help plan,” and Ben sat down on the top 
step and beckoned over his shoulder invitingly. 

“Wait till I put away my Sunday-go~to- 
meeting ribbons. Save me a seat,” and the 
mentor departed gleefully, to return in short 
order and claim the “ saved seat ” between 
Ben and Billy while Bert perched just below 
with Van beside him. Dandy had Yankee 
Doodle on the grass close by and Dimple was 
chasing a butterfly, over on the Kingsbury 
lawn. 

“ Van’s company, so let him tell first,” 
said Joy politely. 

A chorus of jeers greeted her assertion. 
Van turned on her accusingly. “ Who said 
company? ” he demanded. “Where’ll you 
look for home folks, Joy Shipley, if you call 
me names like that? ” 

“ Oh, very well. I thought maybe you 
had some vacation things to tell but if you 
haven’t — Bensie, it’s up to you.” Joy tilted 
her chin loftily and Van subsided as he always 
did before that dimple. 

[ 114 ] 


VACATION 


Of course/^ he remarked humbly, I^m 
only waiting for a chance to tell you what the 
folks have decided to do. It isn’t that, Joy, 
only it seems so sort of ridiculous to be — er — 
ceremonious to anybody that lives here 
almost as much as you do. We’re going to 
Atlantic City.” 

Joy’s dignity was forgotten. Really? Oh, 
isn’t that the most perfectly fascinating* 
thing you ever heard of? Oh, you’ll see the 
real hve ocean. Van, and maybe bathe in it. 
And ^gather shells in days of yore! ’ like 
Mamma’s old song. Oh, Van, how I do 
envy you Atlantic City.” 

Wish you had it then — I don’t want 
it,” muttered the visitor rebelliously. Been 
there you know, Ben, and it’s not what it’s 
cracked up to be, believe me. Dress up and 
put on airs — ride in little dinky chairs that 
a guy pushes, wear bathing suits that make 
you look like a — a Baltimore oriole, and then 
dress up some more. Excuse me! ” 

Isn’t he the most unreasonable boy in 
this world? ” Joy appealed to her eldest 
brother, but Ben shook his head. 

[ 115 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


I don’t blame him/’ he said. Togs and 
airs are natural for girls, but boys — well, 
I’ll take the old farm for mine.” 

So’U we — so’U we,” agreed the other 
boys. 

Tell me about it,” begged Van. 

Bathing where you don’t wear any suits,” 
they obeyed. 

Fishing and bringing home a dandy 
string for breakfast unless you take your 
frying pan along and cook ’em in the woods. 

Overalls and gingham shirts and one sus- 
pender — just one’s all you need — and a big 
straw hat. That’s all.” 

Not quite.” Joy joined in the eager 
recital. There’s more dewberries than you 
can gather, and wild grapes and gooseberries 
and currants.” 

And we pull corn and roast it in the hot 
ashes where we fry the fish.” 

Ever eat any. roasting ears like that? ” 
interrupted Bert. “ You’ve never tasted any 
corn till you have — any real, downright good 
corn.” 

Joy gave a happy bounce. “ And wild 
[ 116 ] 


VACATION 


roses,” she exclaimed. And boating. It 
isn^t Atlantic City, Van, of course, but we do 
have more fun in the old boat — though it 
can^t compare with what you^U have.” 

And crawdads — say, they’re dandy 
boiled and just pull ’em out of their shells and 
eat ’em hot', with salt.” Billy smacked his 
lips and Van groaned, Don’t tell me any 
more. Are you all going? ” 

“Well, we aren’t quite sure.” Ben came 
back from cloudland with something of a 
thud. “ Pops is going to try to get a vacation 
for himself but Mamma won’t go without 
him and Joy won’t leave Mamma alone with 
everything to do and Dimple couldn’t go 
without Joy. So there you are.” 

“ Us boys are going anyhow,” announced 
Billy. “ And the fun we’ll have — ” 

“ I should say you will,” agreed Van. “ I’ll 
never forget the chicken we had for dinner the 
day you took me out there last summer. And 
that yeUow gravy — just like gold. I asked 
Ann how they made it, but she didn’t know — 
hers don’t look that way.” 

“ There’s chicken every day if you want it. 

[ 117 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


And sometimes it’s fried all brown and crisp 
so it sort of crackles on the outside when you 
shut your teeth down on it.” 

Have a heart, kid, and change the subject. 
Looks like rain, seems to me.” 

Mamma Shipley at the sewing machine had 
been a silent listener to the children’s conver- 
sation. The machine stood in front of the 
back upstairs window and the clear tones 
went straight to her. 

“ Poor, rich Van,” sighed Mamma Shipley. 

It isn’t enough that he’s an only but he has 
to have a lot of money besides. No wonder 
he doesn’t want to hear about the Shipley 
frolics since he can’t be in them. Why — I 
wonder if he can’t — I’ll certainly see Mrs. 
Kingsbury today if Henry approves.” 

Henry did, of course, and as soon as the 
afternoon work was done, Mrs. Shipley 
changed her neat striped gingham trimmed in 
white pipings, for a pretty dotted percale, 
trimmed in pale blue pipings. Then she 
shpped through the hedge gate and over to 
the side door which Godfrey opened with 
speed. Godfrey approved of the Shipleys. 

[ 118 ] 


VACATION 


Mrs. Kingsbury was in her sitting room and 
called her neighbor in. It’s an unexpected 
pleasure to see you here in the daytime, busy 
woman,” she said cordially, as she pushed the 
easiest chair into the bay window. Now do 
sit down and fold your hands and rest. I 
should think you’d be worn out.” 

Thank you ever so much, but indeed I’m 
not tired,” declared Mamma cheerily. 
love to be busy, you know, and I am thankful 
for my work and the strength to do it. Isn’t 
this the prettiest room! I never come into 
it without admiring it all over again. How’s 
the head, this week? ” 

It hasn’t troubled me much. But I do 
begin to feel run down and weary and we are 
planning a trip to Atlantic City, Father, Van 
and I. Oh, no, Mr. Kingsbury can’t be per- 
suaded to go. A big hotel with nothing much 
to occupy one’s time doesn’t appeal to a 
business man like my husband.” Mrs. Kings- 
bury glanced across just then to where Papa 
Shipley was marking off ground for anew 
flower bed, surrounded by his flock and her 
own Van. Mrs. Shipley’s eyes followed hers 
[ 119 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


and shone as they looked. Then she turned 
back to say briskly, Please donT think me 
meddlesome, dear Mrs. Kingsbury. IPs only 
that I love Van and think it would do him 
good. Our lads are going to our farm for five 
or six weeks and it occurred to Henry and me 
that Van might hke to go, too. Oh, no, we 
haven^t mentioned it to him.’^ 

“ Indeed, Mrs. Shipley, I have no doubt he’d 
like it, but whether it would be best” — 
Van’s mother hesitated and her neighbor 
chimed in. 

You needn’t decide now. It’s the merest 
suggestion, you know, and if you don’t care 
to consider it we’ll let the matter end where it 
began. The people on the farm are our 
tenants — just an elderly, plain couple who 
will take good care of the lads yet offer no 
restriction to their fun. Billy is a trifle thin 
this spring — growing fast, you see — and 
Bensie is longing for the country, so we are 
going to spare them awhile and the rest of us 
hope for a visit ourselves later on.” 

It was just here that Grandfather Atkinson 
took a hand — Grandfather who had come to 
[ 120 ] 


VACATION 


believe in the Shipleys as heartily as Godfrey 
had. “ Van go? Genevieve, I am astonished 
that you hesitate. Can^t you see he needs it? 
Such spindle-shanks as his are! And his mus- 
cles — why Ben Shipley^s biceps would make 
two of his, Genevieve. How are you, madam? 
Is my young reader coming this afternoon? 

Mrs. Shipley nodded and smiled. I^m 
very well indeed, thank you. Joy will be over 
as soon as I go home. She^s keeping Dimple 
out from under Henry’s feet while he works, 
though Dimple is getting too big to need 
looking after. We forget that she is a year 
older than she was last spring — just as we 
all are. And of course a year wiser — just 
as we all ought to be.” The httle woman 
smiled and rose. 

“ Mrs. Kingsbury, you can let me know if 
you decide to have Van go and I’ll arrange 
with the Evans. The Bees and Dandy are 
to start next Monday week.” Then Mamma 
Shipley went home to be hailed as if she’d 
been gone a week while her neighbor looked 
again through the window at the little pro- 
cession that hurried to the hedge gate as 
[ 121 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Mamma came through, and smiled — then 
sighed. 

When Father joined forces with Grandfather 
that night, Van^s cause was already as good 
as won. And so the new clothes and the 
Baltimore oriole bathing suit were laid away 
in the big clothes press in the Shining Palace 
and into a suit case went — could you believe 
that Mother Kingsbury packed it? — overalls, 
madras shirts, canvas shoes and a stout pair 
of suspenders — since one cannot buy less 
than a pair at a time. Father took Van on 
the shopping tour when the new outfit was 
bought and they had certainly never had such 
a chummy time together since Van could 
remember. There was a strong jack-knife in 
the blue denim pocket and a box of fishing 
tackle beside it. None of your fancy 
stunts,” Father told him, chuckling as he 
picked it out. “ This is the sort of outfit I 
used when I was a kid and — look here. Van, 
you neednT be too much overcome if you see 
your dad looming up on the horizon out there 
for a fishing frolic, one of these days.” And 
Van gasped, speechless with bliss. 

[ 122 ] 


VACATION 


Such radical change of plan was a bit hard 
on Mother, but she bore it very well indeed. 
She could hardly help it when Mamma 
Shipley was so sweet and cheery and Van so 
full of joy you might have thought no cloud 
would ever dim his sky again. The Monday 
came, the Dayton drove away, and the vaca- 
tion of Van Kingsbury^s life began. Two 
weeks later the three girl Shipleys arrived 
with Papa and — oh, it seemed too good to 
be true — but Mr. Kingsbury was on the back 
seat with Joy and he stayed all that day, 
which was Saturday, and bless you! didnT 
speak of home or business till Tuesday morn- 
ing. 

That Monday every blissful dream came 
true. The fishing and catching (because fish- 
ing and catching donT always go together) and 
then the dinner in the woods. Mamma Shipley 
fried the very perch they’d caught and Papa 
cooked what Mr. Evans called “ roas’n’ 
years,” and baked big potatoes beside the 
corn in the ashes. The three Bees brought 
June apples from the orchard and roasted 
them and Mamma actually made corn pone, 
[ 123 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


wrapped it in the green corn husks and baked 
it under the coals. 

“ Dad, I never knew things like this were 
in the world, sighed Van when he couldn’t 
hold another crumb. 

I used to know it, son, but I’d forgotten, 
more’s the pity,” and Mr. Kingsbury wiped his 
fingers on a grape leaf napkin. Let’s not lose 
track of such good times any more, eh, kid? ” 
I hope we won’t. Dad,” agreed the boy 
happily. 

There wouldn’t be time to tell all about 
everything because each day would make a 
story of its own. To be sure, it wasn’t all 
play, for there was stock to be tended and hay 
to be raked. There were fences to be mended 
and weeds to be pulled, and the boys were 
expected to take a hand. Many a night Van 
crept into bed with aching back and smarting 
palms but never once did he sigh for Schuyler 
Street. He didn’t even remember to mention 
bee sting or blister when he wrote the letters 
which looked so imposing to simple Mrs. 
Evans, addressed to Mrs. Van Renssalaer 
Kingsbury, Atlantic City, N. J. 

[ 124 ] 


VACATION 


Perhaps the best part of it all to Van were 
Dad^s visits, which began to occur every week, 
when he, too, donned overalls and pitched hay 
with Mr. Shipley or mowed the lawn for Mrs. 
Evans. He held wool while Joy wound it — 
for the sweater she was learning to knit — 
and as for Dimple, he was horse or camel, 
chariot or bear, according to the whim of that 
young princess. 

Van looked on with delight through the 
long, sunshiny days, and at night lay down 
beside Dad on the sweet-smelling straw beds 
where both slept as no imported hair mattress 
had ever seen them sleep, and awoke with 
appetites that would have astonished Ann 
and shocked Mother. Van and his father 
were getting acquainted. 


[ 125 ] 



CHAPTER X 
BENSIE^S LESSON 

I wish September never had to come/^ 
Dandy was sitting on the old couch, strapping 
his schoolbooks together and looking discon- 
solate. 

September is a very useful month, I 
think,’^ said Mamma briskly. If we jumped 
right from August into October, I^m afraid 
there^d be a good deal of damage done to 
fruits and nuts, not to say a word about 
boys.’’ 

It’s the boys I’m talking about,” grumbled 
Dandy. I wish we could skip September.” 

I do, too. It’s no good. Talk about 
pitying the Hottentots — ” Bert didn’t finish. 
He was having troubles with his own book- 
strap. 

Papa looked up from the Evening Herald 
vVhen he saw those two cross faces, he laid 
the paper down. Lads,” he said. His voice 
[ 127 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


was kind but it held a tone the boy Shipleys 
never disregarded. Is it school you are 
objecting to? ” he asked. Mamma nodded 
over her sewing and the pucker between her 
eyes smoothed out. Things always fell in 
Une when Henry took hold. 

Yes, Pops,^’ confessed Bert. “ WeVe 
had such a good time at the farm where iPs 
all out doors and — and — ’’ 

“ And now we want to help Bensie fix a 
bigger fiying pen, and — ’’ 

“ And our ball field’s all full of weeds and 
they need cutting and — ” 

And we’ve got to start in tomorrow, while 
it’s bright and sunny and get shut up in a 
stuffy old schoolhouse and spell c-a-t cat, and 
all sorts of stupid things,” and Dandy cast 
his books from him with a wrathful gesture 
that even Papa’s watchful eye did not pre- 
vent. 

Lads! ” There it was again, still kind 
but very decided. No more of that, either 
in word or deed. If our vacations spoil us 
and unfit us for work, then we’ll cut out the 
vacations.” 


[ 128 ] 


BENSIE^S LESSON 


Two horrified gasps greeted this remark. 

Cut out vacations/^ he repeated. YouVe 
had six weeks to cultivate your bodies and 
get them strong and vigorous. YouVe stored 
up energy and muscle, youVe learned things 
you never knew before about Nature and her 
wonders. What did it all amount to, lads? 
Anything more than the moment^s good 
time? ’’ 

“Y — yes sir.’^ Bert answered uncer- 
tainly. The good time had been so very 
good. 

You know about the bears that hibernate 
all winter, living on their own fat. Well, you 
boys hibernate, too, in a sense. You store up 
mental strength in your care-free summer to 
consume on your studies the rest of the year, 
and shame on the fellow who isnT wilUng to 
apply the rich store to its rightful uses. You 
are fine and fit. Now go to work and build a 
strong, clean row of foundation stones into the 
character you are erecting.’^ 

But Pops — ” Mr. Shipley raised his hand 
at the complaining tone. 

No objections, Bert. None inVhought or 
[ 129 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


word, remember. Try to cultivate as hearty 
an appetite for your education as you had 
for Mrs. Evans’ fried chicken this summer. 
Minds grow strong on proper mental food just 
as bodies do on bread and meat. Learn to 
enjoy it, lads, and you’ll be glad as long as 
you live. But until you have learned, neither 
grumble nor find fault. It’s wrong and un- 
manly.” Mr. Shipley picked up his paper 
again and the boys finished their preparations 
in meek silence. 

“ It’s going to be very interesting,” Joy 
announced after school next day. I’ve got 
a new teacher and she’s perfectly fine. 
And, Mamma, she’s a stranger here and is 
homesick already. Can’t I ask her over for 
supper real soon? She is Miss Cora Swayne — 
I always did love the name Cora.” 

You can depend on Joy. I wager she 
knows Miss Swayne’s grandparents’ given 
names — or will before this time tomorrow.” 
Ben laughed teasingly as he twitched a black 
curl near by. The head where the black curl 
grew gave a little toss and the pink cheek 
turned red. Well, if she told me she was 
[ 130 ] 


BENSIE S LESSON 


named for her Grandmother Swayne, was 
that my fault? demanded Joy. Her 
brothers shouted and Mamma came to the 
rescue. 

There’s one thing you can say for Joy, 
sonnies. She never uses her interest in people 
to do them harm. It’s always a kindly inter- 
est and ready to be helpful if it can.” 

Thank you, Mamma, that’s dear.” Joy 
cuddled her hand into the busy fingers that 
stopped stitching to return the caress, while 
the boys nodded and owned, That’s so.” 

School opened early that fall and the pros- 
pects were for more serious work than the 
Shipleys had so far known. A year earlier 
they were strangers and the novelty kept 
them interested — now there was only the 
outlook for earnest study. But I’m ready for 
it,” and Bensie threw back his square shoulders 
as if anxious to do vahant battle. 

The Little Yellow House didn’t require so 
much attention as at first, since all about it 
had been put in good order. Mrs. Kingsbury 
often looked across at the tidy premises and 
wondered how she could have objected to the 
[ 131 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Shipleys as neighbors. But that remark 
doesn^t really belong just here, only to show 
why the boys had more leisure for study. 
They used it well, too. For in spite of the 
grumbles with which Bert and Dandy had 
ushered in their school year, they soon got into 
the spirit of the times and went to work in 
earnest. Bensie had visions of leading his 
class, Bert excelled in arithmetic, Billy never 
failed on geography and even Dandy decided 
that September could be endured if it had 
to be. 

Because the Shipleys had a good record, 
nobody was prepared for the trouble that 
came later, and of all persons it was Bensie 
who was in it. It began with Trent Berger^s 
microscope. He brought it to school to 
examine some biology specimens and spent 
the morning recess entertaining the boys 
with its wonders. It^s my father^s,’’ he 
explained, “ and it’s a dandy. Look at this 
pollywog’s eye, Shipley.” Ben gazed in speech- 
less amazement. He had never seen a micro- 
scope before, but what wouldn’t he give for 
such a magic instrument! He spent every 
[ 132 ] 


BENSIE^S LESSON 


leisure moment that day with Trent and got 
many glimpses into wonderland. 

You fellows that want to can come 
around to the house any old time/’ Trent 
told the boys. My father hkes to have folks 
interested in such things — he won’t care.” 

I’m going,” Ben told his family. I 
promised Trent I’d be there tomorrow. Pops, 
you ought to see it. It’s like looking into a 
brand-new world when you get your eye 
screwed to that httle bit of glass. Rainbows 
on flies’ wings, ostrich feathers on their legs — 
oh, I wish we had one of our own! ” 

Well, why can’t we have? ” demanded 
Joy, who had listened open-eyed. My 
savings bank’s empty — I’m not using it any 
more. Let’s start a microscope fund in it and 
the whole family help.” 

That’s not a bad idea, Joy,” Papa ap- 
proved. I shouldn’t mind adding a dime 
of my own, now and then, to so good a cause.” 
So then and there the Microscope Fund began. 
But while it slowly grew, Ben was paying 
frequent visits to Dr. Berger’s and coming 
home with new tales for the interested Shipleys. 

[ 133 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Are you sure Dr. Berger is willing for 
you boys to flock to his study/ ^ asked Mamma 
one day. 

“ We don’t flock. There are only three of 
us who go — Charhe Brown and Dick Drake 
and myself. The other fellows don’t seem to 
take much interest,” Bensie told her. But 
we’ll have to stop soon because the Bergers 
are going to Europe soon, Trent and all. 
So it’s good-bye microscope for Benjamin 
Franklin till the fund gets a move on itself.” 

In the hope that this last would occur soon, 
the savings bank was emptied of its contents 
every night and the bits of money counted 
“ to see if anybody’s put some in today.” 
But after a while the subject dropped. Sud- 
denly Bert’s suggestion that it was time to 
count the money was crossly dismissed and 
next day the bank was pushed out of sight 
on the big shelf. Well, of course if you 
don’t want us to help — ” began Joy, but 
Mamma shook her head. Mamma, too, had 
seen the change in Bensie and was waiting for 
his own explanation. 

It came in a most unlooked-for way. Two 
f 134] 


BENSIE S LESSON 


days after Ben had pushed the bank out of 
sight, Professor Richards made a starthng an- 
nouncement in school. He said that Dr. 
Berger’s microscope had disappeared. He 
had received a letter from the doctor, who 
had missed the httle instrument just before 
starting for the train and too late to institute a 
search. The letter was postmarked New York. 

The microscope was in its place that 
morning,” Professor Richards went on to say. 

And the only ones who had handled it in 
the meantime were three members of this 
class. I cannot believe that one of my 
students has been guilty of this misdemeanor, 
but I owe it to you all that the three on whom 
suspicion seems to rest should have immediate 
opportunity to clear themselves.” 

There were times when that schoolroom was 
a noisy place, but this was not one of them. 
After a pause of breathless silence, the teacher 
spoke again. “ Charles Brown, have you any 
knowledge of the whereabouts of Dr. Berger’s 
microscope? ” 

“ I have not sir, and I don’t beheve any of 
our fellows have.” Charlie’s voice was un- 
[ 135 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


hesitating and a wave of relief swept over the 
class. 

Richard Drake, have you? ’’ 

I sure have not and I think it^s an insult 
for the old Doc to suspect us.^^ The speaker's 
face was crimson and his attitude threatening 
as if ready to wreak vengeance on his accuser 
on the spot. 

That will do, Drake. Ben Shipley? 

I — I^m sure I don’t, sir. I have a 
microscope but it isn’t Trent’s — I — bought 
it.” Ben stammered and turned white. His 
teachet* stiffened. 

“ You bought it? Of whom, may I ask? ” 

Ben’s knees shook so he could hardly stand 
as he realized his embarrassing situation. I 
— I’m afraid I can’t tell you, sir, but I’ll 
give it back if — if it’s Trent’s.” The boy 
laid it on the desk and Professor Richards ex- 
amined it critically. 

“ I believe this to be the missing article,” 
he said after what seemed an age, and his 
voice was cold as ice. If so, it has been 
unlawfully obtained. I find it in your 
possession, Shipley. If, as you say, you 
[ 136 ] 


bensie’s lesson 

bought it, you can hardly refuse to tell who 
sold it/’ 

Indeed, sir, I can’t tell that.” 

“ Then there is but one conclusion left for 
me to draw. I am shocked beyond measure, 
Shipley. In spite of your evident desire to 
possess an instrument of this nature, I would 
as soon have believed this theft of almost 
anyone I know.” 

But you don’t think I stole it! ” Bensie’s 
face was like marble. 

“ I don’t want to think so, Shipley.” 

I told you I bought it.” 

But you will not explain the circum- 
stances of such purchase. Excuse me. Ship- 
ley, if I doubt your statement. Since the 
instrument has been returned, I will take no 
further steps in the matter, except to remark 
that unless you can prove what you have said, 
you will not, of course, return to my class. 
That is all, Ben. You may go. The class will 
come to order.” 

Ben looked about him beseechingly, but 
there was no help in sight. He gazed longest 
at Dick, but that boy’s eyes were intent on 
[ 137 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


his algebra and Bensie stumbled down the 
aisle as if he could not see his way. 

For the second time since they could remem- 
ber, the children saw Mamma cry that after- 
noon. The other time was when Joy was hurt. 
She took her big boy in her arms as if he^d 
been Dimple or Dandy, and dropped tears 
with her kisses on his pale face. 

My child not honest? I^d trust you 
against all the world, Bensie boy,’^ she sobbed. 

Oh! will he go to prison. Mamma? 
asked Joy, trembling so she dropped the cup 
she was holding and let the fragments lie 
as if nothing mattered any more. 

Oh, not prison. Mamma,’’ wailed Dandy. 
“I’ll tip the policeman down the cellar stairs 
if he comes here.” 

Papa found them thus a little later. He 
was very grave as he heard the story, confused 
as it was. Then he lifted Bensie to his feet. 
“ Stand there, son, and tell me all about it,” 
he commanded. “ If you had kept nothing 
back from us, this could not have happened. 
From whom did you buy the microscope? ” 

“ I can’t tell. Pops. I promised not to.” 

[ 138 ] 


BENSIE S LESSON 


“ Such a promise was wrong. You must 
tell me, and at once.” 

From Dick Drake, then. He said it 
belonged to a friend of his who was tired of 
it and wanted the money instead.” 

You paid him? ” 

Yes, with money out of the bank. That^s 
why I wouldn^t let Bert count it — because 
I’d promised not to tell.” 

Why was such a promise necessary, may 
I ask? ” 

Well, Dick said the fellow’s folks would be 
mad because he sold it so cheap and he didn’t 
want them to find it out. But he said his 
friend had a right to sell it if he wanted to. 
Why do you look so stern. Pops? It was the 
money we’d saved for that purpose.” 

Papa Shipley mopped his forehead as if it 
was summer time. This is a very grave 
affair, Ben, and my only consolation is that it 
may teach you a needed lesson. It’s crooked 
on the face of it — the whole transaction, and 
I’m disappointed that you didn’t see it.” 

But how could I tell? Dick Drake’s a 
nice boy,” Ben defended himself. 

[ 139 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


“ This Dick Drake is a scoundrel in the 
making/^ Papa thundered as his boys had 
never heard him thunder. Any boy who 
would keep silence and see a comrade suffer 
for his own wrong is — is in a dangerous 
condition. It will be an act of mercy to 
introduce him to himself, as I intend to do. 
Son! 

Yes, Father.’^ 

Never again covet your neighbor's pos- 
sessions. DonT think you can purchase for 
one dollar articles worth several, unless some 
one has been crooked. And donT have 
deahngs that you can’t confide to your par- 
ents. Put on your cap and we’ll call on Pro- 
fessor Richards.” 

^^Now? Oh, Pops— ” 

Now, son. The Shipleys don’t leave a 
stain on their honor longer than is neces- 
sary.” 

Ben never forgot that interview. His 
teacher was kind, but neither he nor Ben’s 
father made fight of the seriousness of the 
mistake. 

Then the three went together to see Dick. 

[ 140 ] 


BENSIE^S LESSON 

He attempted at first to deny his dishonesty, 
but finding it useless, finally confessed all. 

I knew Ben wanted one and I knew he'd 
be just guy enough to believe whatever 
I'd tell him," he jeered. Papa Shipley's 
fist doubled, then straightened again as he 
saw Bensie glare. “ Bergers were going away 
and I didn't think they'd miss it till they got 
back and then they'd think it disappeared 
while they were gone. Berger's got plenty 
of money to buy more microscopes — I 
needed the money and he didn't. Golly, 
but you're a mollycoddle, Shipley. Why 
didn't you keep the glass and say nothing? " 

Because he is honest, young man," said 
Mr. Shipley, fiercely. Honest people don't 
want what doesn't belong to them. There 
are to be no more references to this matter 
on your part, so far as my son is concerned. 
Kindly remember that. But, lad — " the 
gray eyes softened — if you'll take my 
advice you'll right about face now, and start 
in the other direction. One wrong step, 
you know, needn't carry you far — let me 
urge you to turn the other way." 

[ 141 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


rU think about it” said Dick, lightly. 

While you are thinking, frame up your 
confession,’^ said Professor Richards, sternly. 

My confession? ” 

Tomorrow at school you will tell the 
class what you have told us, and make public 
apology for your cowardly treatment of 
Shipley. 

Ben, I’ll expect you back as usual and I’m 
glad to retract all I felt obliged to say today. 
I’ll make it right with the class tomorrow. 
Good-bye, Mr. Shipley. Glad to know you, 
sir.” 

Come, son. This episode is ended. Sup- 
pose we don’t talk microscope for a while,” 
suggested Papa. 

Not till I’m old and gray-headed, unless 
I feel different from what I do now,” and 
Bensie shivered. But joUy-day, Pops, I’d 
hate to be in Dick’s place.” 

There’s a verse in a Book that never 
makes mistakes, which fits his predicament 
perfectly,” said Papa Shipley. It’s this — 
I hope you’ll remember, son, ^ The way of 
the transgressor is hard.’ ” 

[ 142 ] 


CHAPTER XI 
MISS CORA^S^DISCOVERY 

While Bensie was going through his hard 
experience and trying to learn the lessons 
Papa told him it should teach, Joy was hav- 
ing, as she expressed it, the time of her life. 
She had adopted Miss Swayne on sight. It 
had only needed the knowledge that the 
new teacher was a stranger and homesick, 
to enlist Joy Shipley’s sympathies. It hap- 
pened that Miss Cora was as much attracted 
to her scholar, so the Little Yellow House 
frequently opened its front door to let the 
teacher in. 

They all liked her — all admired the pretty 
yellow hair and blue eyes and the dainty way 
she did things. So when Joy announced one 
afternoon that Miss Cora was coming to 
supper, there was approval expressed but 
no surprise. 

“ This isn’t just a visit — it’s something 
[ 143 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


very important/’ twinkled Joy mysteriously. 

Something perfectly fascinating is going to 
happen if Mamma’ll let it.” 

Well, indeed I don’t see how I could have 
the heart not to let it, if it’s all that,” laughed 
Mamma. Though perhaps if you’d tell a 
person a little bit more it would be easier to 
decide.” 

She will, Momsie — she’s only waiting to 
be coaxed,” remarked Dandy with a superior 
air. 

’Deed I’m not waiting for any such thing 
and of course I’m going to tell. We’re to 
have a hig class entertainment after the 
hohdays and I’m going to be in it.” 

Joy waited for the announcement to make 
its proper impression and was quite satisfied, 
for Ben looked up from his book, Billy stopped 
whitthng to hear more, and Dandy let Yankee 
Doodle get entirely away from him, though 
he’d almost persuaded him to stand in a 
corner and beg. 

What are you to do, dear? ” beamed 
Mamma. “ Sing, I suppose, in the choruses.” 

No indeed, nothing so common as sing- 
[ 144 ] 


MISS CORALS DISCOVERY 

ing. I'm going to recite a long piece of 
poetry all by myself. I think it will be 
Hiawatha^ s Wooing, That is so — so effec- 
tive. Miss Cora says it is." 

But it seems rather grown up for you, 
doesn't it?" 

Mamma's objection was brushed aside. 

No, I don't have to be Hiawatha. I just 
have to tell about him as if I'd tell you about 
Dr. Sylvester's sermon or talk about Mr. 
Kingsbury out at the farm." 

True," assented Mamma. 

“ And the rest of the important thing — 
the part that Miss Cora is coming to talk 
especially about, is — oh, I do hope you'll 
say yes." Joy paused for a joyful giggle. 
“ It's elocution lessons for me, and she wants 
me to take them, very much indeed. She 
thinks they're really necessary, Mamma 
Shipley." 

Mamma looked amused. Isn't this ne- 
cessity rather sudden? " she asked as she 
scratched gathers in Dimple's Httle petticoat. 

“ It's been here aU the time, only we didn't 
know it," answered Joy, gravely. Mamma, 
[ 145 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


I never could elocute like Flossy Gains does. 
I’d rather just sit still in my desk till I’m 
grown up and graduated.” 

What’s wrong with Flossy? ” asked Billy. 
I thought you and she were great cronies.” 

We are good friends,” Joy corrected her 
brother with some dignity. But I do not 
like the way she — she elocutes.” 

Ben laughed. Her star of ambition is 
in the ascendant,” he quoted. “ It’s only 
been two weeks since I heard Joy admiring 
that same friend when she recited, ^ The boy 
stood on the burning deck. Eating peanuts by 
the peck.’ Or, perhaps it was some other 
classic — I may forget.” 

“You don’t forget — you do it on purpose,” 
said Joy, placidly. “It was ^ The Marseil- 
laise,'^ There, Mamma, didn’t I pronounce 
that better? But listen, Bensie, what do 
people go to school for if not to learn? ” 

“ What, indeed? ” echoed Ben. 

“ If I’ve learned something about recita- 
tions that I didn’t know two weeks ago, 
isn’t that all right? ” 

“ It sure is, fair sister.” 

[ 146 ] 


MISS coka's discovery 


“ Well, then, I have. IVe found out that 
Floss makes her gestures like machinery. 
First she waves her right hand, second she 
waves her left hand and third she waves 
^em both. Then she does the same thing over 
again. At first, when I hadn’t seen much 
reciting, it looked nice. But now — well 
now it doesn’t. Though I hke Flossy just 
the same and I wouldn’t say this outside of 
ourselves.” 

Joy is right, boysies,” said Mamma. “ She 
is not criticizing her friend unkindly, but it is 
proper for us all to try and avoid mistakes we 
see in others. There comes Miss Cora, Joy. 
Let her in.” 

It was, as Joy had said, a very important 
matter. Miss Cora insisted that her pupil 
possessed great talent and that it was a shame 
to “ hide it under a bushel ” as it were. 

She’ll make her mark, Mrs. Shipley, if her 
abihty is cultivated,” the teacher declared. 
“ The way she has developed under the sKght 
instruction I’ve been able to give her, makes 
me feel certain that success lies ahead of 
Joy’s efforts. And her expression is simply 
[ 147 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


wonderful for one so young and untaught/^ 
Joy flushed proudly, while Billy struck an 
attitude behind the door. 

Go set the table, daughter. Boys, take 
your books upstairs and finish your lessons 
there. Dimple, you can help sister.” Mrs. 
Shipley disposed of inconvenient hsteners, 
then went on, We have no money to waste. 
Miss Cora, and we intend to cultivate Joy^s 
singing voice a little later. To her father and 
me, it has seemed that she has more ability 
for music than other things and we have 
planned to have her taught.” 

“ Oh, but Mrs. Shipley, this will only assist 
in the other,” argued the teacher. Elocu- 
tion lessons would be the greatest help in her 
vocal studies and I have my heart set on 
Joy^s being the star of my class entertain- 
ment.” 

Thank you for your kindly interest in our 
girl. Her father and I both appreciate it.” 
Mrs. Shipley sewed serenely on. But I 
must ask you, dear Miss Cora, not to intimate 
to Joy that there’s any question of her being 
a star or anything else conspicuous. We’d 
[ 148 ,] 


MISS Cora's discovery 


rather keep her unspoiled than have her aspire 
to do ambitious things." 

Indeed I will be careful," Miss Cora 
promised. “ I know you are right, but she's 
such a dear and I’m so proud of her I can't 
help showing it sometimes." 

Thank you. Mr. Shipley and I will talk 
this over and decide as soon as we can. Will 
you have this magazine while I run out and 
mix some tea biscuits? There is an article 
on kindergarten work that is very interesting." 

But, after all, there wasn't much consulting 
done, for Papa Shipley was quite willing. 
What Miss Cora suggested, Joy desired and 
Mamma approved must be right, so the 
matter was settled at once and the lessons 
began. 

If ever a class had an ambitious teacher. 
Miss Cora's class was the one. The plans 
she made for her entertainment would have 
appalled an average school-ma'am in the 
beginning. But instead of that. Miss Cora's 
plans expanded and Joy came home daily 
with a fresh budget of news to discuss. 

But after a month, Joy's high hopes began 
[ 149 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


to droop. I can never do Hiawatha like 
Miss Jamieson does him — not ever in all 
this world,” she exclaimed one weary day. 

You couldn’t expect to, daughtie. Miss 
Jamieson is a teacher of elocution and you are 
only a very young student,” Mamma re- 
minded her. 

I don’t care. Then I ought to do very 
young student poetry and not what I am 
doing,” persisted Joy. Mamma’s eyehds 
flickered. They had a cute little way of doing 
that once in awhile when she was thinking 
things all to herseK that she wasn’t teUing 
anybody. But she only said, I think your 
teachers must decide what you shall do, Joy.” 

Yours not to reason why. Yours not to 
make reply. Yours but to do or die. Noble 
Joy Shipley,” paraphrased Ben, striking a 
tragic attitude and making his sister laugh — 
which was what he wanted. Bensie didn’t 
like puckers in Joy’s forehead. 

So the lessons went on. Miss Jamieson 
seemed satisfled with her new pupil’s progress 
— at least she said nothing to the contrary; 
Miss Cora was enthusiastic, but Joy fell quiet 
[ 150 ] 


MISS CORALS DISCOVERY 

and began to change the subject when the 
entertainment was being talked about. 

Van was studying piano, as he had done for 
several years, and was making good headway. 
He had many plans for himself and Joy. 

When you^re a prima donna and I^m a 
virtuoso,” as he sometimes said, “ however 
well I play, I^U always do your accompani- 
ments.” 

Why, of course.” Joy was matter-of-fact. 

The better you play the nicer the accom- 
paniments would be.” 

But some artists wonT,” Van told her. 
“ Some artists feel that it^s beneath their 
dignity to play for even prima donnas to sing. 
But IT never do that when youTe the singer, 
Joy, because I think so much of you Shipleys.” 

After so much pleasant planning Van didnT 
take kindly to the elocution idea. She’s no 
more able to get up on stages and rant, than — 
than I am,” he declared with scorn. She’s 
cut out for a singer, Joy is, and she’ll never 
recite fit to be heard.” 

“ Will too.” Joy’s answer was extremely 
short. “ I should think my own parents and 
[ 151 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


my teachers ought to know, Van Renssalaer 
Kingsbury/’ 

Your teachers ought to but they don’t. 
Your parents do, but they’re letting you try 
it because you and Miss Cora have got your 
heads set on it. Don’t tell me,” teased Van. 
Whereupon Joy walked loftily away. Mamma 
Shipley came to his relief. 

Joy is not to give up her musical hopes. 
Van,” she explained. I am anxious she 
shouldn’t and I’ll appreciate it very much if 
you will do a little favor for me in this con- 
nection.” 

“ You can depend on it, I will,” promised 
the boy, delightedly. For Mamma Shipley to 
ask a favor of him seemed too good to be 
true. 

“ When Joy gets through reading to Mr. 
Atkinson each day,” Mamma went on. If 
there’s no one in your parlor and if it’s quite 
convenient for you, and you’re certain sure 
your mother won’t be disturbed — ” she paused 
with a twinkle for all the world like Joy’s. 

Yes’m. She won’t and it will and there 
isn’t.” Van wiggled, finding it hard to wait. 

[ 152 ] 


MISS Cora’s discovery 

Perhaps you’ll let her sing for fifteen 
minutes and you will play for her.” 

Now that’s something like it.” The boy’s 
satisfaction bristled out all over him. 

“ There are one or two little songs I’m 
particularly anxious she should do well, and 
between ourselves, I’m afraid she isn’t think- 
ing enough about music these busy days,” 
Mrs. Shipley continued. “ So with all those 
ifs arranged. I’ll have her stop each afternoon 
and sing a bit with you. Then once in a 
while I’ll treat myself to a seat in a dark corner 
where I can hear how my Joy and my Van 
get on together. It will make me very happy, 
dear, if you and she can accomphsh the sort 
of melody I have in my hopes for you both.” 

There was a lump in Van’s throat, though 
he didn’t know why. But since it was there 
and he couldn’t talk comfortably, he just put 
one arm about Mamma Shipley’s shoulders 
and gave her what Dandy called a bear-hug. 
And she seemed perfectly satisfied. 

No one objected to the new arrangement. 
Mamma would have been surprised, however, 
if she’d known that the door of Mr. Atkin- 
[ 153 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


son's study stood open that quarter hour each 
day, and that sometimes Mrs. Kingsbury 
came and sat on the stairs while the tuneful 
voice caroled its happiest and Van's fingers 
added their careful accompaniment. 

“ I do hke it heaps better than elocution," 
Joy confessed one day to her young neighbor. 
“ But I'm not going to let Mamma know it for 
worlds till the term's over and I've tried not 
to waste the money my lessons cost." 

You're a good kid," Van commended 

her. 

I'm not a kid at all," she answered 
straightening her shoulders. I'm a girl who 
is growing taller every day. But oh. Van — " 
the dignity melted suddenly. I am scared 
stiff every time I think of that class enter- 
tainment and my awful Hiawatha." 

Don't do it, then," was Van's advice. 

Joy looked down at her hands. I wouldn't 
if I didn't have to," she owned in a meek 
voice. 

“ Who says you have to? " demanded Van. 

“ Sh, — don't let a human know. I won't 
be mean enough to disappoint Miss Cora, 
[ 154 ] 


MISS Cora's discovery 


though I think I'll most hkely break down. 
But she'll know I was willing to try." 

Of all the — " Van's voice was wrathful, 
but J oy interrupted. You don't understand, 
Van. It's sort of honor, you know, when 
Papa's paid for my lessons and Miss Cora 
depends on me. But after this time. I'll sing. 
I shouldn't mind that. I could just do my 
best and not pretend to know more than I 
do." 

For the next few days Van prowled about, 
looking so fierce that Billy pretended to be 
afraid of him. He longed to confide his dark 
secret to Mamma Shipley who sang so cheerily 
over her work but he wouldn't betray the 
Httle confidence. 

It's a wonder she hasn't suspected. Mrs. 
Shipley always knows everything," he thought 
as he wrestled with his best tie on the great 
night. “ But she doesn't see through this 
and she's going to get her feelings hurt if Joy 
breaks down. Poor little kid." 

But Mamma Shipley's feelings weren't 
hurt. Instead, she slipped over to Van when 
it was almost time for Joy's turn on the pro- 
[155] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


gram and she tucked a music roll into Van^s 
hand. 

Miss Cora has decided that Joy had better 
sing than recite, if you will kindly play for 
her/^ she whispered. Joy feels still a little 
unprepared on her Hiawatha.” 

Van grinned broadly as he looked across at 
Joy, who smiled back with a face that fairly 
beamed. If she isn^t the very smartest,” 
he said of Mrs. Shipley. “ She knew it all the 
time and that’s why she had Joy practise.” 

When the announcement was made a mo- 
ment later it was for a solo instead of a recita- 
tion. Joy caroled as happily as she’d been 
doing in the Kingsbury parlor, while Van 
played as if he had forgotten he was any- 
thing but an accompaniment to his friend. 

Perhaps it would be too much to say that 
Joy was Miss Cora’s star ” that evening, 
for Flossy Gaines had learned several new 
gestures and used them all. But it is probable 
that the audience enjoyed the httle solo as 
much as they would have enjoyed Hiawatha* s 
Wooing, as Joy would have given it. At all 
events, she had to sing again, and then she 
[ 156 ] 


MISS CORA S DISCOVERY 


and Van went out and made a bow together. 
Miss Cora beamed, Miss Jamieson looked a 
little less cross, and Mamma Shipley held 
onto Papa^s hand as tight as she could 
squeeze. 

I think you are right, Mrs. Shipley,’’ said 
Miss Cora afterward. Music seems to 
come natural to the child. I do thank you 
for arranging so she could sing tonight — 
you saw what pleasure she gave.” 

You weren’t disappointed in me? Oh, 
I’m so relieved,” sighed Joy. 

“ No indeed, dear. More than satisfied,” 
her teacher assured her. 

No more elocuting for me,” said Joy 
decidedly on the < way home. If I’d ever 
remember first off that Mamma knows best, 
I’d save myself a lot of bother.” 

Happy girl if you’ve learned that lesson,” 
laughed Mr. Kingsbury who was close behind. 

I always know it, sir,” Joy told him. 

It’s only the remembering that’s hard to 
do.” 

It’s the remembering that is hard for us 
all, little woman,” said old Mr. Atkinson. 

[ 157 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Joy didn^t have a chance to wonder what he 
meant for Van was whispering in her ear, 
Your mother^s the smartest I ever saw, Joy/^ 
if I didn’t know that,” was Joy’s 

reply. 


[ 158 ] 


CHAPTER XII 
VAN^S CHANCE 

In the year that had passed since the 
Shipleys planned for Mamma’s birthday gift, 
some changes were to be seen in the family 
of the Shining Palace. Nobody knew exactly 
how they had come about, yet all felt them in 
a half unconscious way. First, there was 
Grandfather. Of course he’d always loved 
Van and been proud of him, too, but you 
wouldn’t have suspected it most of the time. 
It may be that the blue glasses he wore so 
much hid the twinkle in his eyes, but they 
left the bushy brows and stern mouth in 
sight. And Van did try his patience some- 
times, which perhaps wasn’t strange, since 
his patience was so very easily tried. But 
somehow of late things had been different. 

When, as sometimes happened, Joy’s les- 
sons kept her busy and Van read to his grand- 
father in her place, he wasn’t dismissed with a 
[ 159 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


sharp reproof. Instead, he was really helped 
over the dry spots and listened to explanations 
that put a new aspect on the literature Mr. 
Atkinson loved. You can see for yourself 
how different that was from the first day Joy 
read to the old gentleman. 

Next, there was Mr. Kingsbury. Of course, 
after the summer on the farm Father and Van 
just couldn^t go back to being strangers again. 
There were so many things to remember to- 
gether and so much to plan for when vacation 
time should come once more. Van almost 
shouted for joy every time he thought of one 
httle speech Father had made in the fall. 
“ Van,” he had said, we^ll have our family 
frolic on the farm next time, if your dad has 
any influence.” 

Not Mother? Oh, Daddy — ” 

Yes sir-ree. Mother, Grandfather, you 
and yours truly. And if we canT show them 
some good times they didn’t know there were, 
then I’m mistaken — that’s all. But it’s too 
soon to spring it yet, sonnie. Leave that to 
me.” 

So, tucked away in a corner of Van’s mind, 
[160] 


VAN S CHANCE 


was this happy possibihty that was taken out 
and looked at very often, then locked up again, 
like a miser^s treasure chest. This little 
secret, shared by these two, was one more link 
in the chain that was binding them together. 

Then there was Mother. Her health was 
surely somewhat better, since her nervous 
headaches came less often and the noises from 
the Little Yellow House didnT worry her at 
all. To prove that they didnT, one might 
remark that she called Dimple across the side 
lawn every day that dawned, to hsten to her 
prattle, which was as sweet as birds, so it^s no 
wonder people liked to hear it. Often Dandy 
was invited too, and there was sure to be a 
treat of some sort — once a real tea-party with 
Grandfather Atkinson as invited guest and 
Mrs. Kingsbury to play lady-go-to-see 
almost as naturally as Mamma did it. 

Van? Oh, he was simply made over, and if 
other people puzzled over the change they 
might have asked the lad himself. It wouldnT 
have taken him two minutes to explain the 
situation. It's Shipley sunshine." That's 
what he would have said. '' They're always 
[ 161 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


making it and, as Mrs. Shipley says, when 
sunshine comes in, darkness has to go out.^’ 

Van’s attitude toward his mother had 
changed, too, since that birthday. He hadn’t 
forgotten the children’s unselfish planning to 
spend for their mother money they really 
needed for themselves. He had resolved then 
to “ be different ” and with such an example 
before him, he could not very well forget. In 
many httle ways he became thoughtful and 
obliging to the various members of the house- 
hold. “ But it’s only what every fellow ought 
to do — be decent in his own home,” he told 
himself. “ What I’d like would be a chance 
to show ’em I’m in earnest.” 

It wasn’t a question of gifts — Van knew 
that. For as soon as ever Mother needed any- 
thing, she got it. There wasn’t a chance to 
save money to give her pleasure because she 
had already whatever pleasure money could 
buy. I’ll have to watch for a chance,” the 
boy decided. If ever anything does turn up 
so I can be real downright self-denying, you 
watch me go for it. I hope it won’t be too 
easy.” 


[ 162 ] 


VAN^S CHANCE 


At last the chance came, and Van nearly 
let it slip by, after all. The motor car began 
it. That same motor car was a big beauty 
but it went out of the garage so seldom that it 
seemed foolish to keep a chauffeur. So foolish 
that at last Mr. Kingsbury told Dick that he 
might teach Van to run the car, then look for 
another place. 

YouTe old enough now to drive it, son, if 
you won^t do anything daring,” Father de- 
cided. Genevieve, he’s got to come to it, 
and the sooner the better. You can’t keep a 
growing youth like ours in a bureau drawer. 
There is no danger for a careful driver and if 
we should want to do any fancy work now and 
then, we can easily get a chauffeur for a few 
hours or days.” 

Mother looked pale and anxious at the very 
thought and Van kept his own rapture hidden 
for fear of hurting her. But it found vent 
when he visited the Little Yellow House, and 
it was hard to tell who was most excited. Van 
or the Shipleys. 

That car had been a trial to the lad. Such 
good-time possibilities as it held, it did seem 
[ 163 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


a pity that so' little enjoyment was gotten out 
of it, all because Mother was so nervous. 
Everybody else knew it was perfectly safe. 
Now Father had given not only his permission 
but his command, and maybe the Shipleys 
wouldn^t get paid back for some of the good 
times he^d enjoyed with Dick and Dolly! 

It won’t take me long to learn it like a 
book,” gloated Van as the boy Shipleys stood 
at respectful attention. Dick has been 
showing me about it already, every chance 
he’s had, and I’ll be ready to take you out in 
no time, Mrs. Shipley.” 

That will be so fine I simply shan’t be able 
to recognize myself,” declared Mamma. I 
shall don my best bib and tucker for that 
occasion. Van, dear.” 

The boy glowed. Not one word about being 
afraid to trust him — not a doubt as to his 
ability. She knows I wouldn’t undertake it 
till I knew how,” mused Van. I wish 
Mother — ” but he stopped that thought 
before it went any farther. The next weeks 
were busy ones. School and studies — music 
and motor cars — it seemed to Van that there 
[ 164 ] 


VAN S CHANCE 


wasn't any playtime left. But after all it 
didn't matter since the good times coming 
would make up for all the waiting. 

At last the day was set. Grandfather had 
to be counted out because he never would 
ride — not even with Dick. But Mother 
had been coaxed to join the party and every 
Shipley, except Papa, who was too busy, was 
going out in the big touring car. Where? 
Why to the farm, of course. There surely 
wasn't any other place in the world so fitting 
as the climax for a frolic as that same farm. 
And Van was to drive every step of the way — 
Dick wasn't even going. 

It seemed as if he couldn't wait — as if 
Monday and Tuesday were at least two weeks 
ahead of Saturday, and even Wednesday and 
Thursday several days away. But it did 
come at last and it was hard to tell who was 
most excited. Van or his neighbors. Mamma 
had a basket of dinner because it wouldn't 
be fair for a whole carload of hungry travelers 
to descend on Mrs. Evans for entertainment. 
But she'd cooked things on Friday so as to 
be ready early, and by nine o'clock in the 
[ 165 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


morning the Little Yellow House was tidy 
as a new pin from top to bottom and the 
inmates were hustling into clean clothes. 
Joy had on her best, cherished hair-ribbons, 
Dimple looked like a plump fairy, and Mamma 
wore her very best silk waist as if it was Sun- 
day instead of Saturday. 

Van had already been back and forth half 
a dozen times. Joy could see the shining car 
drawn out for a last dusting. 

Oh, glory day,’’ she giggled. I’ve been 
dreaming about this ride for a hundred years, 
it seems to me, and now the time’s come.” 

“ It sure has — and there’ll be lots more 
like it,” Van assured her as he swelled with 
pride and happiness. 

Just then Godfrey rapped. He’d unbent 
his former dignity enough to come through 
the hedge gate and onto the back porch, and 
when he caught sight of Dimple he couldn’t 
hide the twinkle in his eye, try as he would. 

Master Van, Mrs. Kingsbury wants you, 
soon h’as possible.” 

'' Nothing wrong, I hope, Godfrey,” said 
Mrs. Shipley pleasantly. The man hesitated. 

[ 166 ] 


van's chance 


She didn't say, 'm," he answered. 

Of course not. I hope you are well, 
Godfrey." 

Hi may say as I'm reasonable, 'm. Thank 
you kindly, 'm." 

“ Run along. Van, dear, and don't keep 
Mother waiting. We are ready any time, 
but remember there's not the least bit of 
hurry," and Mamma patted her young visitor 
on the shoulder. “Joy bring me the work 
basket and I'll sew on those buttons while I — 
rest." 

And then Van's struggle came. His 
mother was shaking with a nervous chill when 
he got to her room and her trembling hands 
reached for his firm, brown fingers. “ Son, 
I've tried my best to steel myseh to the ordeal, 
but I cannot do it," she almost wailed. “ I am 
so deadly afraid, it would make me ill, I know." 

The boy held her hands and tried to speak 
very patiently. 

“ I'm no end sorry. Mother. I hoped 
you'd enjoy the ride, but if you feel like this 
about it you'd better stay home, of course. 
We won't be gone late." 

[ 167 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Ohj but, Van, it isn^t only I — it’s all 
the rest. I shall not have a moment’s peace 
while you are away. Son, you’ll have to let 
Dick drive. I can’t see you start off alone 
when I am so sure an accident will follow.” 

For one hot instant Van felt hke wrenching 
loose from the clinging fingers and running 
away with his car and his friends. For 
that hot instant, anger surged through and 
through him as a vision of happy Mamma 
Shipley came up in contrast to his weak and 
nervous mother. But with the thought of 
Mamma Shipley came the remembrance of 
his resolve — here was the chance he’d been 
waiting for. Could he do it? Oh, could he? 
He hadn’t expected it to be like this — he’d 
counted so on this day’s pleasure. And his 
friends — 

He laid his cool fingers on the throb- 
bing temples against the cushions. “ There, 
Mother, don’t fret,” he said soothingly. Then 
there was a long, long pause while he stroked 
the burning forehead. A pause, while he 
breathed deep and set his jaws firm and 
square. This was his chance.” Well, it 
[ 168 ] 


VAN S CHANCE 


wasn^t “ too easy/’ But then, — then he 
said slowly — oh, very slowly but quite 
steadily, I’ll send Dick wjth the folks to 
the farm today and I’ll stay and take care of 
you.” 

Oh, my boy, how I do thank you,” she 
sobbed, reaching up for his hands and kissing 
them. 

I — I’m glad to do it for you. I’ll go 
explain to Mrs. Shipley, then I’ll be back. 
Don’t fret. Mother.” 

He was very pale when he entered the Little 
Yellow House but his voice had a new ring 
as if Van had suddenly grown up. Mother 
has one of her headaches — yes, it came sud- 
denly, and she can’t go. Mrs. Shipley, I — 
I hate it no end, but I think I ought to — I 
think I’d better stay with her. Dick will 
take you to the farm — give my love to Mrs. 
Evans.” 

Why, Van Kingsbury! — ” the chorus got 
that far, then stopped at Mamma’s raised 
hand. “ That will do, boysies. You are 
perfectly excusable. Van, dear, and we’ll 
have a lovely ride with Dick. Next time you 
[ 169 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


can take us yourseK — just a few squares 
till Mother gets used to the thought. You 
see, Van, it takes us mothers a little while to 
realize that our babies get to be men so soon.^^ 

Van turned his cap in his hands and looked 
down. If there should happen to be any 
moisture in his eyes he wouldn^t have Joy 
see it for worlds. But Joy was too much 
like her mother to add to his embarrassment 
so she only said, I’d do exactly what you’re 
doing. Van. If my mother was sick all the 
automobiles between here and Texas wouldn’t 
get me away from her.” 

Thank you, Joy, and all of you. Good- 
bye.” 

^^Good-bye, Van,” the chorus united cheerily 
and Mamma didn’t stop them this time. She 
went with Van to the door, clear out of sight 
of every Shipley and she put her arms about 
him and kissed him as if he had been Bensie. 

You are a dear lad and I love you.” That 
was all she said, but Van knew she under- 
stood. 

Five minutes later he pressed an aching 
head against his shoulder and stroked it 
[170] 


VAN^S CHANCE 


tenderly. ^^Everything^s fixed, now, Mother,’^ 
he whispered steadily. I’m right here — 
to stay.” 

And of the changes in the Shining Palace, 
the one that began that day was greatest and 
most lasting of them all. For Van had had 
his “ chance ” and had shown that he was 
“ in earnest.” 


[ 171 ] 



CHAPTER XIII 
DIMPLE AND DANDY 

‘ Then the free little mithes flew back 
up in the barnV^ sang Dimple. 

IPs the three little owls that flew/^ 
Dandy corrected her. Mice canT fly.^^ 
Mine can.’^ The httle girl cuddled her 
doll and rocked to and fro. 

“ ‘And they that clothe togedder and they felt tho nithe 
and warm, 

Go to thleep, my Luthy May.^ ” 

“ Now that^s not right, either.^^ Dandy 
looked disgusted. Seems like you^d try 
to get things the way they ought to go.^^ 

Shefll learn, sonny-boy,^^ called Mamma 
from the kitchen. “ She gets along pretty 
well for her age.^’ 

“ I donT think ages ought to make any 
difference,” Dandy declared stoutly. “ We 
ought to do things right, anyway, and if 
anybody tells us how we ought to be glad.” 
Very good logic, sonny-boy. Try to 
[ 173 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


make personal application of it/^ Mamma 
went on. 

Dandy considered. Do you mean do that 
way myself? Why, of course, I^m going to. 
IVe already made up my mind.^' 

Dimple sang on: 

“ *Aiid the thong that they thang I wiU now thing you, 

It beginth and it endth with the wordth Tu Whoo,^^ 
And a very, very pretty Httle thong it ith too, 

Go to thleep, my Luthy May.^ ” 

If ever there was a sunny-haired, blue-eyed 
cherub who took hearts by storm. Dimple 
was that one. Her real name everybody 
but Mamma had practically forgotten, since 
the dimples in cheeks and chin made that 
one so appropriate. She sang sweetly and 
easily, learning all the httle songs that came 
her way with surprising quickness. If, as 
sometimes happened, memory failed, she 
supplied her own words without difficulty. 
It was this trait that Dandy didn’t approve 
of and he labored to correct it on every oc- 
casion. But for all Dimple’s softness and 
her bewitching ways, she had a wiU of her 
own and when Dandy talked of things she 
[ 174 ] 


DIMPLE AND DANDY 


didn^t enjoy she would change the subject 
most adroitly. So when her brother found 
fault with her mice, which she insisted upon 
supplying with wings, she only finished the 
verse before she said, “ Luthy May^s athleep. 
Dandy. I^U put her down and you can come 
to my tea-party.” 

What you got? ” Dandy wasn^t to be 
drawn into society unless it was worth while. 
“ Appleth and crackerth and lumpth of 
sugar,” the hostess told him, as she tucked 
Lucy May into bed. Dimple seldom failed 
in her care of this best loved dolly, made for 
her by a precious, far-away auntie whose 
name it bore. It had been “ Moothy ” to 
its little mother till lately and the changed 
pronunciation showed that Dimple was, as 
Mamma said, growing up. 

All right. Get your spread ready. I’ll 
stay if you’re not too long,” and Dandy sat 
down to await the arranging of the banquet. 

The bits of dishes were carefully handled. 
In some respects at least, the little girl was 
trying to “ get things the way they ought 
to go.” 


[ 175 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


You’re too fussy, Dimp,” the waiting guest 
complained. Give me my share and let me 
go.” 

No, Dandy,” Mamma interfered. You 
were invited to a tea-party and you must 
either accept or decline the invitation. Polite 
people don’t dictate the way their refresh- 
ments should be served.” 

Well, girls are fussy anyway and I’m in 
a hurry. The Bees began the new post 
holes and I promised I’d dig after school.” 

The post holes are not suffering for at- 
tention. Sit down and be a gentleman.” 
Then Mamma added slyly, Because we 
ought to do things right and if anybody teUs 
us how we ought to be glad.” 

Dandy flushed, then grinned, and grumbled 
no more. But when you have to eat refresh- 
ments that are cut to fit very tiny cups and 
plates, you don’t get along quite as fast as at 
a full-grown meal. After it was over he took 
his cap with a httle sigh of relief and went 
out to the back lot where a new fence was to 
be built. There was a hole more than half 
dug and the lad drew off the brush that had 
[ 176 ] 


DIMPLE AND DANDY 


been laid across it and began to deepen it. 
The soil was sandy and the spade light so he 
dug for a few minutes in much glee. It 
seemed as if he could almost feel himself 
grow taller as he worked at such a manly 
employment. He whistled and watched the 
little mound of earth grow larger. 

I must keep it square as I can/^ he re- 
membered. Because the posts are square. 
IT lift one in when the holers deep enough 
because Papa said open post holes are danger- 
ous. He had a horse once that broke its leg 
in a post hole and it had to be shot. Some 
folks are awful careless about things.’^ 

Just then Van whistled and Dandy dropped 
his spade. “ He donT know the Bees are 
all gone to Gym. 1^11 have to tell him/’ and 
away the digger sped. As it happened, how- 
ever, it wasn’t the Bees Van wanted but 
Dandy himself. He was going out for a spin 
in the joy wagon, as he called the big car, 
and Dandy was to accompany him. Breath- 
less with importance. Dandy needed no second 
invitation, and two minutes later he and the 
young chauffeur puffed out of the garage and 
[ 177 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


away. It was the first time Dandy had ever 
been invited out alone with Van, and his 
enjoyment knew no bounds. Van explained 
everything in sight till his passenger felt 
perfectly sure he could run the car alone. 

Van was growing very much at his ease 
with the wheel and, having gone around the 
few squares as first intended, he turned down 
Schuyler Street toward the business part of 
the city whose fines of fight had glimmered 
back at Joy that long-ago night when the 
Shipleys were Strangers in the Little Yellow 
House. 

Down town, something happened to de- 
tain the travelers awhile and it was not till 
all the fights were glimmering again that Van 
drove up with a blast of his horn to the gate, 
whose woodbine frame had been trimmed 
away for the winter. But no one shouted 
back at what Dimple called the honk- 
honk ” and for once the Little Yellow House 
failed to spill boys from every door at such a 
challenge. 

“ Must be terribly busy,’' Van grumbled, 
disappointed at the silence. No, I can’t 
[ 178 ] 


DIMPLE AND DANDY 


Gome in, Dandy. Got to take the joy wagon 
home. Don^t mention it. Fare you well, 
kid.^^ 

And then Dandy remembered for the first 
time that he had done what no junior Shipley 
was ever supposed to do. He'd gone away 
out of sight and sound without asking per- 
mission or telling where he was going. A 
queer, uneasy feehng clutched him as he said 
shamefacedly, Oh, gee, I didn't mean to 
forget." 

Dimple, left alone after her guest's de- 
parture, finished the last drop of cambric 
tea," then washed her dishes and put them 
away, stopping to arrange them as nearly like 
Mamma's as she could make them look. 
“ Plateth in dis corner," she murmured. 

Cupth and thauthers next. The teapot 
hath to thit over here and the cream pitcher 
can go in by thide it." Mamma smiled at 
the dear httle face as the gold curls bobbed 
up and down in her earnestness and the rose- 
bud lips drew into a thoughtful pucker. 

She's beginning to study how things should 
be," Mamma said to herself. I'll lose my 
[ 179 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


baby before I know it.” She sighed just a 
wee scrap of a sigh, then said cheerily, I 
think Lucy May has waked up, little mother. 
Suppose you take her out in the fresh air 
awhile. I’m sure it would do her good.” 

“ All right. I think tho too, Mrs. Ship- 
ley,” and Dimple giggled. 

Let me help you on with your wraps, 
Mrs. Green.” Mamma did play lady-go-to- 
see too lovely. Call very soon again, and 
be sure to bring Lucy May. She does behave 
so beautifully.” 

Fankth. She ith going to have thcarlet 
fever next week but when she getth well I’ll 
bring her. Good-bye.” 

“ Good-bye, Mrs. Green. I suppose you 
wouldn’t care to kiss me? Ladies do some- 
times, you know, when they are very good 
friends.” 

I want to kith you and Luthy May doth 
too.” 

“ My little boy. Dandy, is down in the 
back-lot, Mrs. Green. I think he would be 
very glad to see you. Suppose you call on 
him while you are out.” 

[ 180 ] 


DIMPLE AND DANDY 


Mrs. Shipley opened the door and let 
Dimple out, then watched her down to the 
back-lot gate which Dandy had left ajar. 

There isnT a thing to hurt her there and 
Dandy always takes good care of her,’’ she 
thought as she waved her hand. “ She will 
get a good dose of oxygen this fine, bracing 
day,” and back she went to her sewing as 
hard as she could go. The Little Yellow 
House seemed empty with all its little people 
gone. Joy was at Miss Cora’s to tea, by 
special invitation, the Bees were at the 
gymnasium where they dearly loved to go and 
Mamma drew a contented breath as she 
thought of them. “ All well and happy. 
All near enough to come trooping home, 
hungry and hearty, pretty soon. And thank 
the dear Lord, there’s food in plenty to 
satisfy them. Heavenly Father, help me to 
be as good as I ought to be with all my 
blessings.” 

The machine traveled merrily down the 
seams in Joy’s new Sunday dress. In the 
kitchen the kettle sang, then bubbled and 
finally boiled over. A signal for me to 
[ 181 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


begin supper,” thought Mamma. Why 
how cold it has turned! I must call the 
children in.” 

But there was no answer and Mamma ran 
down to the back-lot gate and called again. 
The short daylight was waning — where were 
the children? Through the hedge she slipped 
— no, Godfrey had not seen them. The 
family was out, so the httle ones could not be 
upstairs. 

Down the street came Papa and the Bees 
chattering merrily. Back-lot, honey? Oh, 
they’re there, of course,” said Papa easily 
when he heard about it. “ Our children never 
run away, you know.” By that time the 
whole tribe was sprinting across the yard, 
calhng as they flew. Mamma close behind. 

Dandy went out to dig post holes,” she 
began. 

“ Post holes! ” That was all Papa said 
but he outdistanced his boys. 

Oh, yes, they found her with only a sprained 
ankle to tell of her fall. She had slipped on 
the soft mound of dirt that Dandy left and 
had gone, all in a heap, down the hole the 
[ 182 ] 


DIMPLE AND DANDY 


sharp spade had dug. Dimple was not 
delicate, and shppery as the foothold was she 
might have pulled herself out if it hadn’t 
been for the poor httle ankle. That couldn’t 
help a bit, but it ached and burned till its 
owner, worn out with calling and sobbing, 
setthng tighter and tighter into the hole, 
which was a snug fit at best, fell sound asleep 
at last, her head pillowed on Lucy May’s 
breast. It was a well padded breast and a 
fairly comfortable pillow, and Dimple was 
still sleeping when they found her and Papa 
lifted her, so very tenderly, out of her muddy 
plight. 

I cried ath loud ath I could and anybody 
didn’t come,” she explained. And my 
foot hurth awful. Mamma.” The blue eyes 
overflowed again. 

“ Hurts — I should think it did. It’s black 
and blue already. Arnica, Bensie, quick, 
and hot water. Mother’s baby girl! ” 

Don’t worry, honey, it isn’t serious,” 
Papa reminded her. 

I know, but it’s painful. Dandy ought 
to have — Henry, where is Dandy? ” 

[ 183 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Just then the honk-honk ’’ blew. But 
Bensie was^ upstairs, rummaging for arnica, 
Billy was bringing hot water and Bert was 
piling cushions on the old couch. Not one 
of them cared for all the motor cars that 
ever tooted while Dimple looked so white 
and ill. 

So that was what Dandy found when he 
came around the house and opened the kitchen 
door. Had a great old ride with Van. 
What^s the matter with Dimp? ” 

Come here, Daniel, and] explain this.^’ 
When had Papa Shipley ever said Daniel ” 
before? 

“ I don’t know about it. Pops. Is Dimple 
sick? ” 

She went out to meet her brother who, 
it seems, had gone away without permission, 
and she fell in the post hole he had left open.” 

Dandy sat suddenly down. Dimp fell 
in my post hole? ” he gasped. Papa did 
she — did she break her leg like your horse 
and will — will she — ” The boy could go 
no further. Papa Shipley said afterward 
that the culprit got his punishment that 
[ 184 ] 


DIMPLE AND DANDY 


moment. But there had to be some warning 
given — Dandy must not forget again. 

No, Daniel, her leg is not broken but it is 
painfully hurt and she won’t be able to walk 
for a few days, probably.” 

And it was my fault. I oughtn’t to leave 
holes that way,” sobbed Dandy. 

“ Yes, son, your fault. If she had shpped 
in head down — if she had. Dandy, there 
wouldn’t have been any Dimple for us, any 
more. And she might have done so.” Papa’s 
own voice shook and Dandy threw himself 
into his father’s arms. “ I didn’t mind — 
I never asked to go and I nearly killed her. 
Oh, Papa, what can such a wicked boy do? ” 

Make up his mind he will not forget again. 
You did wrong, son, and it is right you should 
suffer because you have given suffering. So 
while sister is laid up, you must spend your 
playtime amusing her and keeping her con- 
tented.” 

I will — you just watch me. But first 
of all. Pops, I’m going to put a post in that 
hole.” 

Don’t fall in yourself. There’s been 
[1851 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


enough damage done already/^ growled Ben. 

It^s dark as Egypt out there.^^ 

I don’t care if it’s black as Inky’s fur. 
The scareder I am, the harder I’ll remember,” 
and Dandy set vaUantly forth. 

Don’t reproach him, boys. He’s had 
enough for this time,” Mamma told them as 
the door shut behind their little brother. 

Bensie, set the table, and you other lads can 
wash your hands and cut the bread and 
cheese.” 

It was bedtime when Dandy came for his 
good-night kiss and said humbly, I scolded 
Dimp because she didn’t do things right and I 
said I was going to. And, Mamma, the very 
first chance I had, I did things wrong myself. 
I don’t think I’m very dependent, do you? ” 

“ Dependable, you mean. No, dear, not 
very, but I hope you will be more so after 
this.” 

“ I’ll never, never — ” Dandy began vehe- 
mently, then stopped and shook his head. 

I’d better not say it — I’d better do it,” 
he remarked quietly. And Mamma thought 
so too. 


[ 186 ] 


CHAPTER XIV 
THE EDUCATION FUND 

During their residence at the Little Yellow 
House the pigeons had done all that could 
reasonably have been expected of them. 
Even Bensie, their ambitious manager, would 
have owned that. But not all I want them 
to do,^^ he reflected as he stood looking through 
the wire into the flying pen. “ TheyTe 
pretty things and that^s no joke,’^ and he 
stopped to admire an iridescent fellow, preen- 
ing himself in the sunshine as if he knew he 
was a beauty. “ And they behave so well,^’ 
Ben went on. “No fighting or getting sick 
and dying just when you think youVe got a 
good start. Vll take ’em any time, rather 
than chickens.” 

Then Bensie turned away and sitting down 
on the chopping block began to meditate. 
It wasn’t often that a junior Shipley medi- 
tated in secret — there were usually several 
[187] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


assistants — and Bensie soon realized that 
something was lacking. He whistled and 
Dandy came to the gate. Send Bert and 
Billy here/^ called Bensie. Tell ’em I want 
’em straight off — it’s important.” 

The desired young gentlemen came 
promptly, with Dandy to hear what it was 
all about. Sit down, kids,” commanded 
the moderator of the meeting. Now, hs- 
ten, and no foolishness.” 

The boys immediately chose seats on the 
nearby woodpile. Their solemn faces showed 
that they realized this was no time for levity. 

“ It’s up to us to begin doing something,” 
Ben told them, impressively. 

What are we going to do? ” asked Dandy, 
the uninvited. 

Us three Bees, I mean. Dandy. You’re 
too young yet, but you’ll be in it after a 
while,” Ben told him. 

“ Fire away,” invited Billy. 

“ It’s this way, fellows. We’re getting 
bigger and costing more all the time and 
Pops is going to have his hands full, time he 
gets us and Joy and the youngsters educated.” 

[ 188 ] 


THE EDUCATION FUND 


That^s so/’ assented Bert, but Billy 
shook his head. 

He needn’t bother about me. I know 
enough now to go to work and earn money.” 

Ben wheeled on him. No, you don’t,” 
he declared. You don’t know much of 
anything. None of us do, yet, but Mamma 
wants us all educated and we are going to be. 
Yes, we are, if I have to catch you and hold 
your nose while Bert pours it down your 
throat.” 

That’s not education — that’s castor oil,” 
remarked Dandy, who had had experience. 

Bensie paid no attention. I’m in earnest, 
fellows,” he went on. It’s not fair for 
three husky lads like us to look to our father 
for everything we need and we’ll cost him 
more every year. We’ve got to do some- 
thing, I tell you.” 

Well, why don’t you fire away and show 
us what? ” demanded Bert. We’re willing 
if there’s any dayhght left after we do our 
studies and the chores. We don’t waste 
much time. Bee Shipley.” 

Pigeons is the answer,” said Ben im- 
[ 189 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


pressively. Yes, I know weVe got ’em and 
we haven’t made much money off ’em, but 
that’s no sign we can’t. Look here.” Ben 
drew out a dingy notebook and a scrap of 
pencil so dull that Billy’s knife had to be 
borrowed before it would make a mark. 

We bought ten pairs of homers. In one 
year we’ve had seventy-five pairs of squabs 
and the cost of food for the outfit was not 
more than twelve dollars. We’ve sold the 
squabs for seventy cents a pair and that leaves 
us a profit of forty dollars and fifty cents. 
Out of that we’ve paid for pigeon house 
and nest-boxes and things, so it’s taken it all 
only what we spent for Mamma’s chair and 
a few little stunts like that.” 

Bert yawned. “ Get rich quick that way, 
I don’t think,” he declared. 

Now wait, croaker,” directed Bensie. 

I’ve got some more to say. We have room 
now, since the addition’s built, for fifty 
pigeons just as easy as twenty. They’ll 
average pretty^close to sixteen squabs a year 
for every pair and say a dollar a year to feed 
each family. There’s twenty-five dollars for 
[ 190 ] 


THE EDUCATION FUND 


grain. Now four hundred pairs of squabs at 
seventy cents would make two hundred and 
eighty dollars a year. Call it two hundred 
and fifty so as to allow for accidents, take off 
the twenty-five for grain and see what youVe 
got left. We could save the two hundred 
and use the twenty-five for improvements on 
our plant. 

Our plant? I thought you were talk- 
ing about pigeons.’’ Dandy couldn’t be 
squelched. 

So I am. A plant’s any sort of business 
you can make money out of. This pigeon 
outfit is our plant.” 

Yes, we plant the money and what comes 
up? Maybe something, maybe nothing.” 
Billy was inclined to be sceptical but Bert 
was at once convinced. It’s not as if we 
hadn’t tried it. Bill,” he reminded his brother. 

Ben’s got it down in black and white and 
you can’t go back on that.” 

Well, where’ll we get the cash for fifteen 
more pairs? There’s fifteen dollars at one 
clip.” 

We don’t have to get ’em at one clip,” 
[ 191 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Bensie told him calmly. “ Theredl be six 
pairs of squabs ready to go to the Palace 
Hotel on Saturday and three pairs next week. 
We can buy the old ones, five pairs at a 
time and before we know it wedl have our 
pen full, our income assured and our fund 
begun. 

Wheredl we sell so many? asked Billy. 

What fund? enquired Bert in the same 
breath. Bensie twinkled. His brothers were 
beginning to be interested as he’d hoped. 

Sell ’em to the hotels, easy as wink,” 
he answered one question at a time. The 
Palace growls every time I go because I 
can’t supply them faster and the Empire 
uses a lot. No danger about selhng them.” 

Get up a sort of rival — er — rivalry 
and sell our squabs to the highest bidder,” 
advised Billy. 

That might come later,” Bensie nodded 
wisely. The fund, Bert, is our Education 
Fund that’s going plump into the savings 
bank, .and keep on growing, sir, till Dimple 
and Dandy, Joy and us thr^e are polished off 
to the top notch.” Bensie threw his cap 
[ 192 ] 


THE EDUCATION FUND 


skyward with a whoop that brought Van to 
the spot in short order. 

What are you fellows up to? he asked 
curiously. “ Might let a pal in on your 
schemes, seems to me.^’ 

This isnT play, it’s solemn earnest. Van,” 
Ben assured him. We’ve been planning 
our College course and the way to get it. 
Just pigeons, old man. We’re going to in- 
crease our flock and try to save some cold 
coin. How’s Latin today? ” 

Tiresome as ever. I’d give my head if I 
could pitch in with you fellows at the old 
Pub. Nothing doing at the Latin Prep only 
stupid stunts and droning drags.” 

Whoopee, he’s some grouchy this time,” 
said Billy, whistling, while Bert added, ^^Don’t 
dispose of your head. Van. You may not 
need it at your Latin Prep, but we use ’em 
at the old Pub, believe me.” 

The boys did not go back to their former 
subject then, but Ben tucked away notebook 
and pencil and made one or two mental notes 
before he dismissed the subject. 

When supper was over and the table cleared, 
[ 193 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


he brought them out and spread facts and 
figures before Papa and Mamma Shipley. 

“ It looks perfectly plausible, son,^’ was 
Papa^s comment after careful consideration. 
“ I see no reason why the thing can’t be car- 
ried through successfully and I’ll promise to 
keep the plant in shape. That’s somewhat 
in my line, you know, sir,” and Papa laughed. 

That’s no end good of you. Pops, but 
you must let the pigeons pay their own ex- 
penses. If you could put in a little time, 
now and then, we’ll be ever so much obhged, 
but lumber, you know, or wire and nails, you 
must buy out of the fund. That’s only fair.” 

“ It’s the finest thing I’ve heard for a long 
time.” Mamma fairly beamed. I’ve been 
racking my brain to think of some way for us 
to save a school nest-egg. I couldn’t think of 
a thing but selling the farm and we’d hate to 
do that unless it was necessary. But the 
children have to be educated, you know that, 
Henry.” 

Yes, honey, I do.” Papa said it but 
nobody heard him on account of the din that 
Mamma’s reference to the farm raised. 

[ 194 ] 


THE EDUCATION FUND 


She laughingly raised her voice above the 
rest to beg for silence. We haven^t any 
intention of doing it now/^ she assured them. 
“ But Bensie’s to be our preacher, we hope, 
and it costs money to make preachers. And 
Billyhs our doctor and Bert our lawyer and 
Dandy — 

You might leave me one. I may need a 
partner, later on,^^ Papa reminded her, teas- 
ingly. Though perhaps your ambitions, 
madam — ” he didnT get any farther, for 
Mamma was almost choking him with both 
arms around his neck. If any or all six of 
our children are one half as noble and dear as 
their father I couldnT have any higher 
ambitions for them,’^ she told him. 

Then well call it square, honey.’^ Papa 
was laughing as he kissed her. Nobody 
needed to be told whom he wanted his daugh- 
ters to copy. Mamma went back to her 
sewing. 

Go on, mommie, what are we girls to 
be? '' begged Joy. 

“ You a musician and Dimple an artist,^^ 
Mamma obligingly prophesied. '' Of course 
[ 195 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


that’s only for a few years. I want you to 
have good husbands and six children apiece 
and a home as happy and dear as the Little 
Yellow House. Then I’ll be perfectly satis- 
fied for my girls.” 

Deary me, I’d much rather be a prima 
donna hke Van wants me to be,” said Joy. I 
don’t intend to marry until I’m too old to 
sing any more because prima donnas travel 
all over the world and have a perfectly fasci- 
nating time. I’ll have Van along to keep me 
from getting homesick. He’s to play better 
than Paderewski or Liszt.” 

“ Modest ambitions, these,” laughed 
Mamma. “ Oh, well, you’ll never reach 
higher than your aspirations, children, so set 
your goal away up toward the mountain peaks. 
But Henry — ” with a sudden change of 
tone — the thing that pleases me most of 
all about this plan is that Bensie thought it 
out. You were casting about for possibilities, 
I was scouring my intellect for ideas, and 
Bensie — ” 

Bensie beat you to it. Hurrah for Ben 
and the Education Fund! ” Billy had kept 
[ 196 ] 


THE EDUCATION FUND 


still as long as he could. Papa pushed back 
his chair and stood up as if he needed more 
room. When Mr. Shipley stood straight up 
his head didn’t quite touch the ceilings of the 
Little Yellow House but it really didn’t lack 
so very much of it. His two big, kind hands 
could reach up and touch it easily, and he 
always had to go out doors to swing Dimple 
up in the air or she’d have gotten a bump 
to remember. Now he folded his hands be- 
hind him and began to pace back and forth. 

I didn’t mean to say a word till it was 
settled,” he began, but since confidences and 
plans seem to be the order of the evening. 
I’ll add mine.” 

Mamma’s sewing slipped to her lap. “ I 
knew there was something on your mind, 
Henry,” she said a Httle anxiously. 

It’s the new City Hall. I’ve put in my 
bid and if I get the contract to build it. I’ll 
be able to start the Education Fund myself. 
But of course I may not get it. In fact — ” 
he paused as if he hated to finish, then went 
on as if he thought he ought to — in fact, 
I don’t suppose I shall, honey, because 
[ 197 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


there^s more or less political inlBuence needed 
in these municipal jobs, and I haven^t a bit 
of that, you know/^ 

Well, I^m glad you haven^t/^ Mamma was 
sewing again, but her fingers shook a little. 
“ If your work doesn’t speak for itself, let 
their bosses and ring-leaders run things as 
they will, and suffer the consequences.” 

Papa smiled tenderly. The conse- 
quences won’t make them suffer, honey. 
There are other men who can build the City 
Hall as well as I, but I’d like very much to be 
the one to do it, and swell our fund, Bensie, 
lad.” 

I sort of feel like you will. Papa,” de- 
clared Joy. I choose Bryn Mawr for mine. 
Miss Cora says that’s one of the best.” 

The boys shouted but Mamma shook her 
head at them. It’s not too soon for any of 
us to be finding out which is best,” she said. 

And no doubt Miss Cora knows a great deal 
about it. I’ll talk it over with her, next time 
she comes.” 

That will be tomorrow if it’s convenient 
for you. She said so,” Joy announced. 

[ 198 ] 


THE EDUCATION FUND 


The new pigeons came within the next few 
days. Papa insisted on buying the fifteen 
pairs at once, saying that the boys could pay 
him for them as they sold the squabs. The 
pets took kindly to their new quarters and 
companions and if attention could have turned 
their pretty heads, they would have been 
spoiled past remedy. As it was, they went 
serenely to work, building nests from the box 
of clean straw Bensie kept in reach, and 
preparing a reception for the squabs when 
they should arrive. The Palace Hotel con- 
tracted for all Ben could furnish and visions 
of a much larger plant began to take shape 
in the lad^s brain. But for the present, 
hands and time were full, and only Van knew 
of larger hopes for the future. 

“ It^s no end more interesting when you 
donT have much money,’’ that youth com- 
plained to his father. '' The whole Shipley 
family is waiting to see if Mr. Shipley gets 
the City Hall and it’s more fun than moving 
pictures, the plans they make. They want 
him to get it, worst way, but he says it’s 
doubtful. So they talk about it as if it 
[ 199 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


would be Fourth of July or Thanksgiving or 
something hke that, if he comes home and 
says he got it.” 

Shipley bidding on the City Hall? ” asked 
Mr. Kingsbury. 

Yes, he^s going to start their Education 
Fund if he gets it.” Dandy had been telling 
details no one expected repeated, it seemed. 
But then, the Shipleys hadnT many secrets 
from their friends, after all. “ No skeleton 
in our closet, thank the dear Lord,” Mamma 
used to say sometimes. 

M-hm.” That was every word Mr. 
Kingsbury said about it, and that canT really 
be called a word. 

It was Saturday night. Ben had fed and 
watered the flock, had gathered a cap full of 
eggs from the hen house, had patted Dick’s 
nose and rubbed Dolly’s flank; then, fol- 
lowed by Yankee Doodle, stepped on the 
back porch just as Papa came around the 
house. 

Go in, son. Get them all together. I 
have something to tell you.” Bensie thought 
of the City Hall, first thing, but he couldn’t 
[ 200 ] 


THE EDUCATION FUND 


guess from Papa^s quiet voice whether it was 
going to be good news or bad. 

Papa looked down on the group that gath- 
ered about him and held out his arms as if he 
wanted to hug them all at once. Thank 
God for His goodness to us. I got the con- 
tract/^ he announced. 

An hour later Van strolled in to where his 
father was sitting at his desk. Mr. Shipley 
got the job he wanted, Dad,^^ he announced, 
sitting on the arm of the desk chair as he 
wouldn’t have thought of sitting before last 
summer. “ They’re as happy as if they had 
a ready-made fortune given them.” 

Mr. Kingsbury nodded approvingly. ^T’m 
glad of it. Shipley’s a good man — he’ll 
do the square thing by the City.” 

But neither Van nor Mr. Shipley knew that 
the influence ” needed had been furnished by 
Mr. Kingsbury. “No use burdening him 
with any obligations,” that gentleman told 
himself. “ I owe Shipley a good deal, yet.” 
But no one would have been any more 
mystified to hear that speech than Mr. 
Shipley himself. 


[ 201 ] 



CHAPTER XV 
A TESTED FRIENDSHIP 

There come times even to Shining Palaces 
when it seems as if everything goes wrong at 
once. In January such a time came to the 
Kingsbury^s. First, Grandfather got sick. 
That was a most surprising thing for Mr. 
Atkinson to do, because he wasnT in the habit 
of it at all. Aside from his eye weakness that 
made the blue glasses necessary, he seemed as 
strong and rugged as an oak tree and nobody 
ever expected him to get bronchitis, like 
ordinary people. If he ever did catch a little 
cold, it put him very much out of humor — 
ordinary people would be called cross if 
they^d act as Grandfather did. But with this 
attack he was so gentle and patient he made 
you wish he would scold a little. 

Mrs. Kingsbury was very much worried 
and finally almost got down sick herself. 
Then Dr. James took matters into his own 
[ 203 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


hands and shipped them both, with Marie 
and a trained nurse, to Atlantic City, winter 
though it was. The salt air will do you both 
good and the sooner you get to it, the better,” 
he said and the start was very soon indeed. 

I hate to leave you. Van,” Mother said 
as she kissed him good-bye. “If it wasnT 
for school you should go, too.” 

“ I’m all right — I don’t need salt air,” 
replied Van cheerfully. “ Dad and I’ll get 
along humming, and don’t you worry.” 

“ If anything goes wrong, Mrs. Kingsbury, 
I’U take him under my wing,” promised 
Mamma Shipley, who had come in to say 
good-bye. Her neighbor turned to her grate- 
fully, saying, “ I know you will. You are a 
great comfort, Mrs. Shipley.” 

Van drove them to the station all by him- 
self and guided the car so skillfully that 
Mother didn’t say “ Be careful ” more than a 
dozen times. 

If the house seemed a bit lonesome after he 
got back, it was only for a few minutes. Just 
till he could put away his “ motor togs ” 
and get through the hedge gate to the Little 
[ 204 ] 


A TESTED FRIENDSHIP 


Yellow House, where he stayed till time for 
Father to come home. They had a cosy 
evening, playing checkers, planning for next 
summer and finishing up with what Van 
called a dandy lemonade.” “ Lonesome? 
Not on your life — not with Dad,” Van told 
Bensie next day. “ Of course we miss the 
folks and weTe all around sorry they’re sick, 
but — oh, you know, Ben, men do have a 
good time together when there’s nobody else 
aroimd.” 

It did seem too bad that the next day a 
telegram came calhng Mr. Kingsbury to New 
York at once. If it wasn’t important I 
wouldn’t leave you, kid,” Father told Van re- 
gretfully. We were just getting ready to do 
justice to the occasion and here this business 
comes along and upsets us. Never mind, 
boy. I’ll be back in a week and you’ll see if 
there isn’t some fun left in this part of the 
globe.” 

It’s all right. Dad.” Van tried to speak 
cheerfully. There are the Shipleys, you 
know.” 

Yes, I do know and I’m glad they’re 
[ 205 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


there. Guess you’d miss those same Shipleys 
if they’d take a notion to go back to the farm, 
to stay.” 

“ They’d better not suggest such a thing to 
me.” Van was as fierce as if all such decisions 
lay with him. 

They are not likely to,” Father comforted 
him. Mr. Shipley’s prospects are good in a 
business way, he tells me, and our schools are 
the great attraction. I must go — it won’t 
do to miss my train. So long, old man — 
don’t get lonesome.” 

Van looked out the window after his father. 
There was some studying to be done before 
supper time, so the Little Yellow House 
couldn’t be his refuge in this new loneliness. 
There was a lump in his throat and his head 
ached — though he hadn’t thought of it till 
that minute. 

The skies were turning gray and the wind 
was rising. There wasn’t a sound in the 
Shining Palace. Godfrey never made any 
noise and Ann’s clatter was shut away into 
the kitchen. The lad turned to his books 
with a little shiver. The fire must be getting 
[ 206 ] 


A TESTED FRIENDSHIP 


low — how cold it was. Queer thrills began 
running up his back with hot flashes between. 
He never did feel like this, no matter how low 
the temperature dropped. And oh, how his 
head ached! 

Now didn^t it seem queer for a fellow to go 
and get sick the minute he was all alone? 
You couldn^t call Mrs. Shipley over for a 
little cold — not as busy as she was. The 
couch looked pretty comfortable — no, on 
the whole he liked his own room better. He 
might as well lie down till his head stopped 
aching because nobody could study with a 
sledge-hammer for a brain. 

The Shipleys had just finished supper 
when Godfrey knocked. It^s Master Van, 
’m,’^ he explained apologetically. Hif I 
might make so bold, ^e wouldnT come down 
to ^is dinner, ^m, though Ann ^ad fixed it 
particular for ’im by way of ’is being alone, 
’m. I went to ’is door but ’e wouldn’t open 
it, ’aving a bad ’eadache. Hf ’e could be 
looked after, ’m, askin’ your pardon — ” 

Mamma Shipley reached for her shawl. 

I’ll go right over, Godfrey. Why didn’t 
[ 207 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


you come before? Joy, dear, you put the 
children to bed and Til stay till nine o’clock 
or so. Henry, if the laddie should be really 
ill I may spend the night there, so don’t 
worry if I don’t come back till time to 
get breakfast. Good-night, chickabiddies. 
Everybody be good.” And Mamma Shipley 
slipped out into the darkness, httle dreaming 
of all that might happen before she came back 
to her family again. 

Van was a sick boy. As soon as Mrs. 
Shipley touched his dry, burning skin she 
knew that. He hardly noticed her entrance 
and soon began talking in a rambhng way 
that didn’t sound like Van. Mrs. Shipley 
looked him over carefully, then said to her- 
self, I shall ’phone for the doctor. It is 
better to be on the safe side this pneumonia 
weather.” 

Dr. James traveled fast and in a short time 
was in Van’s room. 

He looked grave as he examined the sick 
boy. “It is probably a heavy cold he has 
taken, Mrs. Shipley. Morning may throw 
more Ught on the subject. An illness cannot 
[ 208 ] 


A TESTED FRIENDSHIP 


always be diagnosed from its initial stage of 
chill and fever — so many ailments may begin 
that way. Shall I send a nurse? '' 

'' Not if you think I will do for the present. 
He may be much better by morning and I’ll 
stay tonight. His mother would like me to, 
I am sure.’^ 

He could hardly be in better hands. 
The doctor bowed. Keep the drops going 
and 111 be in early tomorrow. If you need 
me before then, ’phone me. Good-night.” 

All night the sick lad moaned and tossed 
while the watcher sat by and ministered to 
him. At dawn she turned back the covers to 
straighten them out and on the smooth 
skin of chest and arms she saw a sight that 
startled her. She hurried to the ’phone. 

Dr. James, this is Mrs. Shipley. Van 
has had a bad night and this morning shows 
an eruption that is very peculiar in appear- 
ance. I wish you would come at once.” 
He did not even wait to answer, but she knew 
by the chck of his receiver that he would lose 
no time. 

I don’t like it,” he said sharply a few 
[ 209 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


minutes later, while Van slept heavily on. 

Of course you know, madam, that there are 
several cases of smallpox in town. I don^t 
say Van has it, but I consider the symptoms 
most suspicious.’’ 

I was afraid of it as soon as I saw these — 
these queer spots.” Mamma Shipley was 
pale, but her voice was steady and the doctor 
looked at her curiously. 

Do you realize what this entails, madam, 
if our fears are realized?” he asked her. 

Quarantine, you mean, for me as well as 
Van? Yes, I thought it all out while I 
waited for you. Dr. James. I can’t go 
home to my family so I’ll just stay with Van. 
He’d rather have me than a stranger and you 
can tell me what to do for him.” 

Has any one else been exposed here? ” 
was the next question. 

I think not. Godfrey has been to the 
door but he didn’t come in the room and he 
hasn’t touched Van.” 

And yourself? ” 

“ I have taken every risk, ignorantly but 
no less truly. I’ll stay.” 

[ 210 ] 


A TESTED FRIENDSHIP 


And if — 

If I take it — though I don^t think I 
will — I’ll have my plans made in the mean- 
time.” 

You are a brave woman, Mrs. Shipley, 
and a good one.” Dr. James’ worried face 
smoothed a httle. We will hope for the 
best, but I won’t deceive you with what I 
fear would be false encouragement. We will 
spread no alarm till we’re sure and we’ll 
take every possible precaution.” 

His people? ” 

I wouldn’t advise telegraphing for a few 
hours. They could do no more than will be 
done in their absence and the news would 
make Mrs. Kingsbury ill. We’ll watch this 
thing together, today, Mrs. Shipley, and 
please God we may be mistaken.” 

Half an hour later. Dr. James stood on one 
side of the hedge gate and Mr. Shipley on 
the other, while the situation was explained. 
Mr. Shipley was paler than his wife had been 
and he groaned out loud. My girl in danger 
like that! ” 

The doctor took off his hat as if he diduT 
[ 211 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


feel the sharp wind. She’s one in a thou- 
sand, man. I don’t blame you for breaking 
your heart if trouble comes to her. But keep 
up courage — we’ll pull through. Don’t let 
the word leak out — we’ll give ourselves the 
benefit of the doubt for a few hours, anyway. 
She sent her love, Shipley, as cheerfully as if 
she’d been going fishing, and said you are not 
to worry.” 

It was a face full of anguish that turned 
away from the doctor, but by the time Papa 
Shipley called the children he was outwardly 
as calm and serene as ever. A chorus of 
wails greeted Mamma’s absence, but Joy 
behaved beautifully. ^^Shame on us all for 
being so selfish,” she said. We have 
Mamma all the time and now we ought to be 
glad to lend her to Van while he needs her. 
I’ll tell you, we’ll make her happy by having 
everything done just perfectly lovely when she 
comes home to the Little Yellow House.” 

Papa swallowed his coffee over a lump that 
almost choked him. Would Mamma ever, 
ever come back to the Little Yellow House? 

But deary me, it wasn’t half as bad as it 
[ 212 ] 


A TESTED FRIENDSHIP 


threatened. Like many and many things in 
this old world, the worry over what might 
happen was far worse than what did happen 
When Dr. James came at night, Van^s fever 
had fallen, his mind had cleared, and the 
blotches, many and ugly though they were, 
had evidently done the worst they intended to 
do. Chicken pox, pure and simple.’^ That 
was what he said, but he almost shouted it out. 
Mrs. Shipley didnT speak. She only grasped 
the invahd^s hand tighter than ever and 
smiled — oh, how she smiled. And out from 
her heart was pouring a perfect flood of thanks- 
giving and joy. I had chicken pox as a 
child, she was saying to herself, “so I 
wonT take it again and I can go home to my 
brood as soon as it^s safe for them.’’ 

Maybe Papa Shipley wasn’t happy when 
he heard. Maybe he didn’t dance a break- 
down, out in the barn, with no one but Dick 
and Dolly to see! He didn’t dare let the 
young Shipleys know how glad he was, for 
fear they’d guess how sorry he’d been. 

Well, it was soon over. Chicken pox 
doesn’t amount to much, usually, and for all 
[ 213 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


Varies made such a big fuss in arriving it took 
its departure very quietly. Mamma came 
home after only a few days^ absence, escorted 
by a bodyguard that a queen might envy, 
for every heart was full of love and loyalty. 
Joy had a nice supper ready, the children were 
on their best behavior and everything was as 
lovely as possible. And only Mamma under- 
stood why Papa^s prayer at worship that night 
was so full of thanksgiving or why his voice 
grew husky more than once. 

Over at the Shining Palace, Van stood, 
looking across, and he, too, had his earnest 
petition. Please, dear God, bless the Little 
Yellow House and everybody in it — espe- 
cially Mrs. Shipley.^' 

When Mr. Kingsbury came home and 
heard all about it from his own boy and Dr. 
James: heard how Mrs. Shipley had planned 
to nurse Van, even through the loathsome 
disease they feared, he couldn’t speak for a 
while. He went over and tried to thank 
Mamma Shipley, safe and sound in her own 
dear home, but she made so light of it she 
wouldn’t listen to half he wanted to say. 

[ 214 ] 


A TESTED FRIENDSHIP 


There was no other way — please say no 
more about it/^ she said laughingly. ^ ^Lovely 
weather, isnT it, Mr. Kingsbury?’^ 

She risked her own life for my boy.’’ 
Mr. Kingsbury said it over and over to him- 
self. She won’t let me thank her, but if 
Father and Genevieve can’t help me devise 
some means of getting even with her. I’ll 
— I will — at least I’ll spend the rest of my 
life trying. God bless that little woman!” 

When Mrs. Eangsbury and Grandfather 
came home, much improved by the salt air, 
the Shining Palace looked just as when they 
left it. The Little Yellow House, too, stood 
in the wintry sunshine as placidly as if no 
trouble had threatened its inmates. So the 
shadow that had hovered over both homes 
left only the trace that such shadows are 
intended to leave — more thankfulness for the 
many days when the sun shines in a cloudless 
sky, and more trust in the One who cares 
for His own. Van’s music went on, Joy’s 
voice continued to improve, and their efforts 
together became very popular in both fami- 
lies. It really began to look as if the first 
[ 215 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


use the Education Fund would be put to was 
a piano for the Little Yellow House. It 
would be a pleasure to us all and is almost a 
necessity for the girls/’ Mamma said. Even 
though Dimple is to be an artist, she’ll prob- 
ably be a musical one.” 

Yes, honey,” assented Papa, smihng as 
he remembered a certain surprise that was 
growing out of the City Hall contract, and 
that even Mamma wasn’t to know till it was 
ready. 


[ 216 ] 


CHAPTER XVI 
GRANDFATHER 

It was a very bleak and dreary day. Joy 
always remenabers that first, whenever she 
thinks of it, because it seemed such appro- 
priate weather for heart-breaking things to 
happen. A cold rain fell all day, freezing as 
it touched the ground, and the people who had 
to be out in it slipped and slid as if the whole 
town were a skating rink and its citizens all 
learners. The Shipley children came home 
from school, damp and chilly. And every 
one with a grouch on,^’ as BiUy expressed it. 

I hate winter and I donT believe spring 
will ever come again,’^ scolded Joy as she 
took off her rubbers on the back porch. 

I fell down three times and all four of 
my ankles is skinned,’’ mourned Dandy, 
strugghng with his overcoat. 

Bensie didn’t laugh or make remarks about 
quadrupeds. Instead he said to his sister 
[ 217 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


rather crossly, You don’t need to growl 
now you’re home. We boys have all the 
chores to do — cow to milk and horses to 
feed and — ” 

And then a warm, comfy home and a 
good hot supper,” said Mamma from the 
door. Come in, chickabiddies, and get 
thawed out, first thing you do. Here’s a 
fresh cranberry turnover apiece. Aren’t they 
comforting? ” 

You are, anyway.” Joy patted Mamma’s 
cheek and kissed it. We ought to be 
ashamed to grumble, but everything’s so 
horrid.” 

Out of doors, you mean. Not in our 
home,” Mamma reminded her. “ As long as 
the Little Yellow House holds eight people, 
all well and busy, all contented and happy, 
weather doesn’t count for much, dearies. 
Now if we had to move into some crowded-up 
city house it might be different, but here — ” 

Here’s the dandiest place of all. I hope 
we’ll never live anywhere else till we die,” 
and Billy picked up the last, scattered crumbs 
of his turnover. 


[ 218 ] 


GRANDFATHER 


There comes Van. Even the grass is 
slick — see him skid, then? and Bert waved 
a bit of crust at his hurrying neighbor. But 
Van didnT laugh and wave back. Instead he 
hurried on and his face showed pale through 
his tan as Mamma let him in. 

Grandfather^s awfully ill, Mrs. Ship- 
ley,^’ he said nervously. Doctor^s been with 
him an hour and it’s some sort of stroke, I 
guess.” 

Why, Van, I’m very sorry to hear that. 
Sit here by the fire, dear, a minute. You’re 
all in a tremble. Drink this hot milk — 
you’ll feel better for it.” 

“ Thank you — that is good. Seems like 
you always know what to do for folks, Mrs. 
Shipley.” Van handed the empty cup back. 

Mother hates to ask it in all this shpperiness, 
but — Grandfather’s been asking for you and 
it seems to worry him because you don’t 
come. Doctor said just now she’d better 
send for you.” 

Mrs. Shipley had whisked her apron off 
before Van half finished and Joy was bringing 
her rubbers. Of course I’ll go this minute. 

[ 219 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


I’m sorry they waited, Van. Daughter, if I 
should be detained you’ll know what to do.” 

Yes’m, we’ll see to everything. Can’t 
you stay. Van? ” 

No, I might be needed,” Van answered 
soberly. My grandfather’s a very sick 
man, doctor says.” 

But very sick men often get well,” Joy 
reminded him. 

Yes, but doctor told Mother his age was 
against him. Here is Godfrey to help you, 
Mrs. Shipley. Let him get on that side and 
I’ll go on this. Don’t fall, for anything.” 

Not I,” laughed Mamma. You could 
hardly push me down. I’m sure-footed as a 
cat. Bad weather, Godfrey. Makes us 
thankful for comfortable homes, doesn’t it? ” 
“ It does so, ’m. Be careful — ’ere’s raw- 
ther a nawsty step, ’m.” 

They got across safely and in another 
minute Mamma was kneeling beside Mr. 
Atkinson. She had never been in his bed- 
room before, but she didn’t even see the heavy 
old mahogany with which it was furnished. 
All she did see was the flushed face on the 
[ 220 ] 


GRANDFATHER 


pillow whose dull eyes followed her motions 
with a distressed look. She took his hand in 
hers and began rubbing it gently as she 
waited. 

Mrs. Shipley is here, Father. Can you 
tell her what you wanted? Mrs. Kingsbury ^s 
voice was full of distress. 

The sick man tried to speak — tried again 
and again but no word came — only sounds 
that they could not understand. 

Very slowly — try very slowly, Mr. Atkin- 
son. There is no hurry, you know,’’ Mrs. 
Shipley reminded him. Is there something 
you want me to do? ’’ 

The white head made a httle motion. 

Not that? Well, I’ll wait till you are 
ready — very slowly.” 

^^Van — ill — ” he said thickly. 

Oh, no, Mr. Atkinson, Van’s quite well, 
only very sorry you feel badly.” 

Townsend — tell — ” 

Mr. Townsend is away, you know. Father. 
But that doesn’t matter. We don’t need any 
lawyer here, dear.” 

^^Joy — r — r— ” 

[ 221 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


“ Soon as you feel able shell be here to 
read to you, every single day,’^ promised 
Mamma. You haven^t been strong enough 
lately, but she will be ready when you are.” 

Rod — staff — ” the thick voice trailed 
into silence. 

Yes. His rod and staff, they comfort 
you.” 

A look of peace came into the troubled 
face as Mrs. Shipley slowly repeated the 
words of the Shepherd Psalm. Grandfather^s 
eyes closed and the doctor came forward. 

That must have been what he wanted, 
Mrs. Shipley. Thank you. The nurse for 
whom we ’phoned is at the gate. Now if 
you can persuade Mrs. Kingsbury to he down, 
I shall appreciate your help.” 

Come, dear friend. You may need your 
strength more, later on. Save yourself for 
your father’s sake,” and Mrs. Shipley led 
her weeping neighbor away. 

Can’t you stay with me? I need you 
so,” Mrs. Kingsbury begged, and Mamma 
Shipley laid aside her wrap and sat down. 

The icy darkness fell and through it Papa 
[ 222 ] 


GRANDFATHER 


Shipley came trudging home. His cheery 
whistle was silent for once and his eyes looked 
heavy as he came into the light. 

Whereas Mamma? he asked, though 
that was nothing unusual. Every Shipley 
there was asked that question when she 
was out of sight. 

Over at Van^s. Mr. Atkinson is awfully 
sick and they sent for her.’’ 

“ And we’ve been good and I thet the 
table,” added Dimple, who had put the 
knives and forks around quite tidily. 

“ I’m glad, lovey. Everybody who gets 
in trouble wants our Mamma, don’t they? 
Sometimes when we want her ourselves.” 

Bensie stared. Was it Papa Shipley, say- 
ing a thing like that? 

Pops, you’re tired out,” he declared. 

Here are your slippers — the chores are 
done and supper’s ready. Beastly old day, 
wasn’t it? ” 

Not pleasant,” Papa admitted. But 
weather doesn’t count for much.” 

That’s exactly what Mamma said when 
we came home from school,” Joy told him. 

[ 223 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


She says that as long as we hve happy in 
the Little Yellow House, outside things 
don’t matter.” 

Was that a sigh — a deep one? Who ever 
knew Papa Shipley to sigh. “ We’ll all keep 
quiet and let Papa rest. He’s about played 
out, and no wonder,” said thoughtful Bensie. 

No, no, children. Chatter away as usual. 
I’ll enjoy it. Daughtie, don’t look so dis- 
tressed — a bit of headache is nothing.” 

Try as they would the Shipleys couldn’t 
make things go as briskly as usual. Con- 
versation dragged, the httle folks got sleepy, 
Billy broke one of the good cups and Joy 
scolded him for it. Altogether it was rather 
uncomfortable, and they almost shouted for 
joy when Mamma came in. She told them 
that Mr. Atkinson was unconscious and then 
in a jiffy she straightened things out. 

Henry, you’ve been working too hard 
today. Joy dear, put Dimple and Dandy 
right to bed. Boysies, finish your lessons as 
soon as possible and keep quiet about it. 
Now, Henry, lie here on the couch and let me 
rub your head — dear old", head that thinks 
[ 224 ] 


GRANDFATHER 


for US all. No wonder it gets tired some- 
times.’’ 

But after the children were all in bed and 
the Little Yellow House quiet for the night 
Mamma said, Now tell me, Henry.” 

You little wizard! ” Papa smiled rather 
wanly. I can’t keep a thing from you, 
can I? ” 

Not a thing, so it’s useless to try. It 
isn’t good news this time, but you needn’t 
be afraid to tell me because I can bear it all 
right, since I know it isn’t my babies or their 
father.” Mamma smoothed the hot fore- 
head with a steady touch. 

Honey, the Little Yellow House is sold.” 

Henry — our home! Who bought it? 
Oh, Henry, whoever he is, he will let us stay, 
won’t he? He couldn’t make us go away 
when we’re so happy here, could he? ” 

For just a minute it looked as if Papa would 
have to turn comforter. For just a minute it 
seemed as if Mamma was going to break down 
and cry, as Dimple might have done. 

But only for a minute. Then she made 
Papa lie down again and her hand went 
[ 225 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


steadily back and forth while she said, I^d 
like to hear all about it, Henry/’ 

I’m afraid I don’t know a great many 
details myself, honey. The business was 
transacted through agents. Mr. Pearce, our 
landlord, is still abroad, but his agent, Jones, 
told me when I went to pay the rent today. 
He gave me a three months’ notice, honey, 
and I’m afraid we’ll have to move.” 

Mamma cleared her throat and waited a 
minute before she asked, Was he sure the 
new owner wouldn’t want to rent it? ” 

“ Practically so. Some wealthy man 
bought it through his agent and Mr. Jones 
thinks it will probably be torn down and a 
fine house put in its place. It will be a good 
location, honey, when Schuyler Street is 
improved farther out, and the Little Yellow 
House might not match its new neighbors. 
They’ll all be Shining Palaces, I suppose.” 
Papa smiled rather sadly as he used Joy’s 
whimsical fancy. 

The Little Yellow House torn down! 
Of course I can, Henry, but it seems just for 
the minute as if I canH stand it.” 

[ 226 ] 


GRANDFATHER 


Two strong arms reached up and clasped 
the little mother close. We can make 
another place for ourselves, my precious. 
It will always be a happy home where you 
are.^^ 

“ And you, Henry. DonT leave you out. 
I^m going to be brave and — and cheerful 
and I suppose there are nooks even in this big 
city where we can take refuge. But oh, my 
Little Yellow House! 

The children had to be told — that was 
decided. There are only three months 
and they^ll need to get their bearings, too. 
Perhaps they can help us find another place. 

So the sad news was broken next morning 
and a sorrowful band set off for school, in 
spite of Mammals determined good cheer. 

Van didnT hear the news till late. Just 
before night he ran across to carry news of the 
invalid, whose condition was unchanged, and 
Bensie told him. He didnT say one word but 
his expression spoke for him. It would 
never do to cry — great boy that he was — 
and before people, too, even though the people 
were the Shipleys. But a fellow couldn't 
[ 227 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


talk with a lump in his throat like a walnut. 
He did try a time or two, then gave it up and 
slipped away and Bensie closed the door 
behind him with tears in his own eyes. 

Up to his room tore Van, and back to his 
old post in the window. How many times he 
had stood there watching the hghts in the 
Little Yellow House. They had always 
spoken good cheer to him. Soon they were 
to shine their last. Soon the walls where 
Joy had trained the roses would be torn down 
— the woodbine gate would be taken away, 
the — the — oh, how could a fellow help it 
when the Little Yellow House with all it 
stood for was going out of his hfe? 

Godfrey came and tapped. Dinner is 
served. Master Van.’^ 

All right, 1^11 be there.’^ But it took a 
few minutes to bathe the redness out of his 
eyes and when he got down stairs. Father 
and Mother were at the table. 

He made his announcement at once. The 
Little Yellow House is sold to some rich old 
guy and he's going to tear it down and build 
a fine one." 


[228 ] 


GRANDFATHER 


Say that again, kid,’^ Father commanded, 
while Mother gasped and said, Oh, never. 
Van. That canT be.’’ 

Yes, they’re all broke up over it. Got to 
move in three months and don’t know where.” 

Father put down the carving knife as if it 
didn’t matter a bit whether anybody in the 
Shining Palace got roast lamb or not. 

If I’d had any idea Pearce wanted to sell 
I’d have bought it myself,” he said. We’ll 
certainly miss our neighbors.” 

Oh, Daddy, maybe you can buy a place 
they’d like and let them live there forever. 
Maybe it needn’t be very far away.” 

I wish it might be done. I regret this 
affair very much.” Father picked up the 
knife again with a sigh and Mother wiped 
both eyes on her pretty handkerchief as if she 
didn’t care who saw her do it. 

But everything else was forgotten for a 
time, when later that night Grandfather went 
peacefully away, to come back no more. He 
never rallied after the first few hours, so 
nobody knew what he had tried so hard to say 
to Mrs. Shipley. '' But I think that it was 
[ 229 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


only that he wanted to express his friendli- 
ness/^ Mamma told his daughter, and per- 
haps to tell us he was ready to go. I’m 
sure he was ready, dear Mrs. Kingsbury. I 
had a heart-to-heart talk with him only last 
week. Oh, yes, he was waiting for the sum- 
mons and I think he wanted us to know the 
Shepherd was with him in the Valley of the 
Shadow of Death.” 

“ It’s times like this winter that make a 
fellow grow into a man while you wait,” 
said Van to Bensie the day after the funeral. 
“ You can’t be happy all the time and there’s 
no good expecting it.” 

We have to have the hard things same as 
the happy ones,” Bensie reminded him. 

And there’s always two sides to every- 
thing.” 

What do you mean by that, Ben? ” 

Why, like Mr. Atkinson, you know. 
Your side is to feel all around bad, but his 
side is Heaven, Van. And even when you 
live in what Joy calls the Shining Palace, 
Heaven is a good deal better.” 

[ 230 ] 


GRANDFATHER 


That^s right, and I guess Grandfather^s 
pretty glad he^s there. But Ben Shipley, 
there is one thing that hasn^t got a good side 
to it, and I dare you to say it has.^’ 

What^sthat, Van? 

It’s the Shipleys leaving the Little Yellow 
House.” 

I don’t suppose you’re right. Van Kings- 
bury, but — ” Ben stopped and choked before 
he finished — I feel as if you were.” 


[ 231 ] 




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CHAPTER XVII 
“ HOME, SWEET HOME 

Joy had doubted if spring would ever come 
again, yet in a few short days it arrived. 
March came in like a whole flock of lambs 
and the sun shone as if trying to make the 
earth forget the icy storms and cold of winter. 
The pigeons cooed and preened, Auby and 
her neighbors talked in friendly fashion, Dick 
and Dolly tossed their manes and nickered at 
the breeze that came in through the opened 
windows, while Star looked as if thinking 
about pastures green and buttercups. 

The Shipleys were all suspiciously cheerful. 
Not one of them confessed the heartache that 
made spring a hardship instead of a joy. 
No one reminded another that a garden 
couldnT be dug or vines trained or grapevines 
trimmed in a place that was going to be torn 
to pieces in a few short weeks. Nobody put 
into words the thought that they hadnT 
[ 233 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


the slightest idea where the Shipleys them- 
selves would be when all that came to pass. 
But every one thought about it most of the 
time. 

Bensie had spent every spare hour prowling 
the outlying parts of town — for outl3dng it 
must be, what with all the family menagerie. 
Papa went to and from business by a different 
route daily. Joy and Miss Cora scoured the 
school neighborhood, Billy and Bert drove 
Dick and Dolly up one street and down 
another. But no one had found a counter- 
part of, or even a substitute for, the Little 
Yellow House. 

We’ll just have to go back to the farm. 
That’s all there is to it,” moaned Dandy after 
the meeting when they all had to report 
failure. 

“ We can’t do that, now, sonny-boy,” 
Mamma told him. “ Business and schools — 
those are the reasons.” 

“ And our Education Fund is getting a 
little bigger. We’ll have college to prepare 
for,” added Bensie. 

Mamma smiled bravely. Her eyes were a 
[234 ] 


HOME, SWEET HOME 




little bit heavy and her cheeks weren^t quite 
so rosy as usual, but if anybody had accused 
her of having the blues she would have denied 
it stoutly — and truly. 

Chickabiddies,’’ she said. The reason 
you haven’t found our place is because you 
haven’t gone where it is. There’s a suitable 
home waiting, just as the Little Yellow House 
was waiting, and when the right time comes, 
we’ll find it.” 

Miss Cora wishes we’d take a place big 
enough so she could board with us,” said 
Joy. 

“ That would be nice for some reasons,” 
began Mamma but Papa shook his head 
decidedly. 

Once for all, daughtie, no boarders for 
Mamma to take care of. We all like Miss 
Cora but she’ll have to be content with visiting 
the Lit — with visiting us. I must go, honey. 
My time’s up.” 

Honk-honk,” sounded at the gate right 
after school. 

There’s Van — see what he wants, Ben- 
sie.” 


[ 235 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


“ He^s come to take Mamma house hunt- 
ing,” announced Ben a moment later. Can 
you go? ” 

“ To be sure I can and glad of the chance,” 
said that lady briskly. “ I shouldn’t be one 
bit surprised if I find It this very after- 
noon.” 

We won’t go far,” called Van. We 
can’t let you get out of this part of town, so 
we won’t hunt in any other.” 

Indeed we don’t want to. May I sit 
here by you, so we can talk. Van, dear? Joy, 
you can keep Dimple and Dandy in the back 
seat, can’t you? Now we’re ready.” 

The big car spun down Schuyler Street, 
Van touching his cap to a man just turning 
in at the Kingsbury gate. 

That’s Mr. Townsend, Grandfather’s law- 
yer,” he explained. He’s been away ever 
since Grandfather died — I didn’t know he’d 
come home. Now here’s Remsen Street, Mrs. 
Shipley. It’s nice; let’s go slow and look 
here.” 

Back and forth they went, at a snail’s 
pace that would have tried Van’s soul if he 
[ 236 ] 


“ HOME, SWEET HOME 

hadn^t been interested in his quest. But 
when they got back again to the woodbine 
gate, not one glimpse had they seen of the 
home of their dreams. 

Ben was waiting for them. Mrs. Kings- 
bury sent word for you to go over there, soon 
as you came. Mamma, he told her. 

Deary me, I hope no one is sick,^’ said 
Mamma, looking startled. So many things 
had happened lately, it kept one on the look- 
out. 

But no one was sick. Mrs. Kingsbury 
herself opened the door just as if Godfrey 
didn’t live there, and she did a very strange 
thing — for Mrs. Kingsbury. She put both 
arms around her neighbor and kissed her 
three times while her face fairly beamed in 
spite of the black dress she wore. 

I must tell you myself, dear, first of all,” 
she said, and her voice trembled with joy. 

You are not to leave the Little Yellow 
House.” 

Not leave — ” Mrs. Shipley was be- 
wildered. 

No, not now or ever unless you want to.” 

[ 237 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


“ How can that be? I don’t understand.” 

Come up to Father’s study and meet Mr. 
Townsend. He will tell you all about it. 
Have this seat — it’s more comfortable.” 
Mrs. Shipley found herself in the green velvet 
chair where Joy had sat so long ago and waged 
her gentle warfare with Grandfather’s crusti- 
ness. 

The gentleman at the big table was handhng 
some legal-looking documents but even with 
all his explanations it took Mamma Shipley 
a long time to comprehend what had really 
happened, though Mamma Shipley was usually 
anything but dull. 

It isn’t necessary to tell all the details. 
Perhaps it is enough to say that the rich 
old guy ” of whom Van had spoken so dis- 
respectfully was no other than Grandfather 
himself. He had bought the Little Yellow 
House outright, but so far from demolis hin g 
it, he meant to fix it so no one else could do 
that unless the Shipleys wanted it done. He 
had told everything to Mr. Townsend so that 
gentleman could be sure that all was arranged 
just as Grandfather wanted it. 

[ 238 ] 


HOME, SWEET HOME ” 

“ He did not hint it to us,’' said Mrs. Kings- 
bury. Mr. Townsend says he had planned 
a grand surprise for the two families — yours 
and ours — as soon as the matter was settled. 
He didn’t dream that you would hear of it 
and be worried. I’m sure of that, dear Mrs. 
Shipley.” 

He would have told me himself if he could 
have talked — that day.” Mamma Shipley’s 
voice was full of feehng. “ That was what 
worried him — he was afraid I’d hear.” 

Yes, and when he spoke of Van’s illness 
and Joy’s reading he wanted you to know why 
he was interested in you and yours. I see 
it all now.” 

Oh, I do thank my Heavenly Father for a 
friend like that. What am I that a blessing 
so great should come to me? ” Mamma’s 
eyes overflowed and Mr. Townsend spoke 
gently. 

My client greatly appreciated your care 
of his grandson during an illness this winter. 
He spoke of it more than once and was warm 
in his praises. He mentioned your family, too, 
and his desire that they should be permanent 
[ 239 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


companions for Van. Then he added, ^ In 
order that this may be assured, Townsend, 
put through the deal without loss of time.^ 
I did so, madam, and only my enforced ab- 
sence from the city and consequent ignorance 
of my client’s sudden death has caused you 
to suffer unnecessary anxiety. This anxiety 
I especially regret as it was what my lamented 
chent desired to prevent.” 

Mrs. Shipley rose. I think I must go tell 
my family, dear friend. It isn’t kind to keep 
the knowledge from them a moment longer. 
Mr. Sliii)ley will be home soon. How glad I 
am to be able to tell him that you are our 
landlords now, and we may stay.” 

Oh, no, no, dear! Don’t you understand 
yet? Father not only bought the property 
but he willed it to you. It is yours — every 
foot of ground — every inch of house, all 
sealed and signed as fast as law can make it! ” 

She had to sit down again. Her knees 
trembled as if tliey’d let her fall. It really 
was starthng, you know, when she’d been 
expecting exactly the reverse. And then 
they let Van in. Do you think he waited 
[ 240 ] 


HOME, SWEET HOME 


(( 




for their very own mother to tell the junior 
Shipleys? He tore through the hedge gate 
as if wild Indians were after him and gave a 
war-whoop as if he were after the Indians. 
When Mamma got home, five minutes later, 
the Little Yellow House was as if pandemo- 
nium had broken loose and it was a mercy she 
was able to straighten them out before Papa 
came, or he'd have thought they'd all gone 
crazy in a heap. Yet after he heard the news 
he was about as bad as the worst of them and 
if there was any supper eaten in the Little 
Yellow House that night, it must have been 
Yankee Doodle who did it. 

The very next morning activities for spring 
began in earnest, rakes and hoes, brooms and 
mops, out-doors and in, back yard and front. 
Every Shipley busy, planning as he worked. 
Everybody happy, singing Uke larks. Miss 
Cora to tea for the general rejoicing, bringing 
a great handful of crocuses by way of celebra- 
tion. 

In the evening, the Kingsburys; and for 
all you could see they were as happy over the 
whole affair as the Shipleys themselves. 

[ 241 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


In Mr. Kingsbury^s pocket came the deed 
that made the gift secure and in his heart 
there was gladness that Genevieve^s father 
had been able to accomplish what he would 
have been so happy to do. “ I’ll have my 
turn yet,” he told his wife. “ It was not 
only the smallpox scare that made me feel 
as I do. The Shipley influence has done a 
lot for me and for you, dear, as well as for 
our boy.” 

“ It has indeed. Van Renssalaer, and not 
less for Father. His spiritual awakening that 
changed him so was due to Mamma Sliipley. 
He told me that himself.” 

Well, we’ve got ’em hard and fast, Van, 
old man,” and Father slapped the lad on the 
back. You’re pretty well fixed for com- 
rades now, I take it.” 

“ Yes sir-ree,” grinned Van. 

So the Little Yellow House became a home 
in a new sense, and if you’d go far enough up 
Schuyler Street today, you’d come right to it 
and the happy family there among the trees 
and climbing roses. The back lot is nearly 
covered with flying pens now, and the Educa- 
[ 242 ] 


HOME, SWEET HOME 

tion Fund is reaching very respectable pro- 
portions. One reason is that Papa Shipley 
didn’t have to use it for the piano. That was 
his own happy secret which grew out of the 
City Hall contract, and if it cost him a good 
deal of self-denial and extra hard work, who 
minded that, since he rejoiced to do it? 

Joy is making good use of that same piano. 
She and Van are earnestly building ambitious 
plans which may or may not materiahze as 
time goes by. But in the meantime, her 
music makes happiness in the Little Yellow 
House, whose inmates are sure that no singer 
since Jenny Lind had such a voice as Joy’s. 

The three Bees are working away the same 
as ever and growing sturdily the while. 
Dandy has nearly caught up with Billy in 
height, much to Billy’s disgust. Dimple is 
a curly-headed schoolgirl who aspires to Miss 
Cora’s class as her highest ambition, while 
Papa and Mamma Shipley are just the same 
as ever, busy, cheery, and wholesome, re- 
joicing in their own happiness and doing all 
they can to pass it on to others. 

The Shining Palace family is just the same 
[ 243 ] 


THE JOLLY SHIPLEYS 


— only different — as Van says. They donT 
think of spending vacations anywhere but 
on the farm and Mrs. Kingsbury thinks it 
agrees with her even better than Atlantic 
City. Godfrey is a little grayer, Ann a good 
deal fatter, and Marie has gone to a home of 
her own, leaving a younger sister in her place. 

Grandfather’s study is as he left it and Joy 
likes to go in there sometimes. She sits in 
the green velvet chair and thinks grateful 
thoughts of the old man who did so much 
for her and hers. Then she goes back to the 
home she loves with a glad heart. 

If you’d like to know the secret of the 
Shipley happiness you won’t find it in their 
riches, for they aren’t rich. Or their political 
influence, for they have none. As Van says, 
they don’t give a whoop ” for society and 
their clothes are not in the height of style. 
But the spirit of loving helpfulness is theirs — 
the joy of letting their light shine. And to 
the possessors of this secret, happiness is 
sure to come, whether their dwelling be a 

Shining Palace,” or only a Little Yellow 
House.” 


[ 244 ] 


















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